Speculate
To form a theory or conjecture about something without firm evidence; to invest in ventures with risk in hopes of gain.
verbSpeculate
To form a theory or conjecture about something without firm evidence; to invest in ventures with risk in hopes of gain.
verbImagine This
Imagine a detective standing in front of a corkboard full of clues. He connects pieces with string, proposing possible motives, but admits none of it is proven yet and his ideas remain educated guesses.
Sounds Like
SPEK-yuh-layt
Looks Like
Rooted in spec- meaning to look; resembles other 'spec-' words like inspect, spectator, spectacle.
Remember This
The root spec- means 'to look.' Speculate is often about possibilities rather than certainties and can also mean engaging in risky investment with uncertain outcomes.
Other Forms
Connect With
conjecture, hypothesize, surmise, infer, guess, theorize; related adjective: speculative
Note
Use speculate about or speculate on when discussing hypotheses or possibilities. Do not use speculate when you have proof—use assert or prove instead. Related uses include speculating in the stock market or on future events.