speculate

[spek-yuh-leyt]

verb (used without object)

speculated, speculating 

1. to engage in thought or reflection; meditate (often followed by on, upon, or a clause).

   Synonyms: cogitate, reflect, think

2. to indulge in conjectural thought.

   Synonyms: theorize, suppose, surmise, guess, conjecture

3. to engage in any business transaction involving considerable risk or the chance of large gains, especially to buy and sell commodities, stocks, etc., in the expectation of a quick or very large profit.

speculate

/ ˈspɛkjʊˌleɪt /

verb

1. (when tr, takes a clause as object) to conjecture without knowing the complete facts

2. (intr) to buy or sell securities, property, etc, in the hope of deriving capital gains

3. (intr) to risk loss for the possibility of considerable gain

4. (intr) rugby to make an emergency forward kick of the ball without taking any particular aim

Other Word Forms

• overspeculate verb (used without object)
• prespeculate verb (used without object)
• unspeculating adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of speculate¹

First recorded in 1590–1600; from Latin speculātus “watched over,” past participle of speculārī “to watch over, explore, reconnoiter,” verb derivative of specula “watchtower,” noun derivative of specere “to look, regard, see”

Word History and Origins

Origin of speculate¹

C16: from Latin speculārī to spy out, from specula a watchtower, from specere to look at

Example Sentences

She speculates that the musician was drawing parallels between the Enlightenment and the modern day.

From BBC

One security expert has speculated the screenshots suggest the criminals have access to information they should not have.

From BBC

In an exclusive interview with the BBC, Reeves hit back at reports speculating over her plans, arguing that "a lot of them are talking rubbish".

From BBC

A few Swifties have speculated that her newfound passion for sourdough might be an Easter egg pointing to a Super Bowl appearance: Sourdough Sam, the 49ers mascot, the stadium in Santa Clara next February.

From Salon

Within hours, conservative commentators speculated about her gender identity and whether she was trans, suggesting that it played a role in her motive.

From Salon

Related Words

• contemplate 
• figure out 
• guess 
• hypothesize 
• read 
• reflect 
• ruminate 
• surmise 
• weigh 
• wonder