Skip to main content

speculation — the forming of a theory or conjecture without firm evidence

Part of speech: NOUN

Definition: the forming of a theory or conjecture without firm evidence

Pronunciation (IPA): /ˌspekjuˈleɪʃn/

Example Sentences

  • The CEO's sudden resignation led to wild speculation about a corporate scandal.
  • My speculation about the pop quiz turned out to be wrong - it was actually about pizza toppings.
  • Currency speculation can be extremely risky for inexperienced investors.

speculation

NOUN

[/ˌspekjuˈleɪʃn/]

the forming of a theory or conjecture without firm evidence

The detective's wild speculation relied entirely on a glowing crystal ball instead of real evidence.
💡 Concept

The detective's wild speculation relied entirely on a glowing crystal ball instead of real evidence.

SPEC(look) + UL + ATION(process) — speculation is the act of trying to see what cannot yet be seen.
🧠 Mnemonic

SPEC(look) + UL + ATION(process) — speculation is the act of trying to see what cannot yet be seen.

After failed calculation and dishonest manipulation, the boss ended everything with reckless speculation at the roulette table.
🎵 Rhyme

After failed calculation and dishonest manipulation, the boss ended everything with reckless speculation at the roulette table.

Got the picture? Now let's practice.

🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/ˌspekjuˈleɪʃn/
🇬🇧 UK/ˌspekjuˈleɪʃn/

🌳Etymology

Rootspecul
Suffix--ation

Origin

From Latin 'speculari' meaning 'to observe or watch,' derived from 'specula' (watchtower). The suffix '-tion' converts the verb into a noun form.

Breakdown

specul- (to observe, from Latin specula) + -ation (noun suffix indicating action or result) = speculation

🎵Rhyme

relation
station
creation

🔗Collocations

widespread speculation
media speculation
speculation about
pure speculation
financial speculation
speculation runs rife

📝Examples

“The CEO's sudden resignation led to wild speculation about a corporate scandal.”

😄 Fun example

“My speculation about the pop quiz turned out to be wrong - it was actually about pizza toppings.”

“Currency speculation can be extremely risky for inexperienced investors.”

😄 Fun example

“There's endless speculation about whether aliens prefer pizza or burgers.”

📚Related Words

Want to master 27,000+ words?

Sign up free for flashcards & quizzes.