🔮 SPECULATE: Predicting the future, one guess at a time
Venture a guess with us as we learn the meaning of SPECULATE!
speculate
The term speculate is quite versatile. Let's explore its many applications.
ℹ️ Part of speech
speculate is a VERB.
🗣️ Pronunciation
speculate is pronounced /ˈspɛk.jə.leɪt/ or SPEK-yuh-late.
📚️ Definition
speculate means to form a theory without firm evidence. (Like wondering about the future.) It also means to invest in stocks, property, or other ventures in the hope of eventual gain but with the risk of loss.
📰 Examples
Here are some examples of speculate in usage:
I remember people speculating on the potential consequences of climate change when I was in college in the 1980s.
Jakob sold his house to buy some property in an up-and-coming area on pure speculation--he saw an X that purported that north Asheville is the newest real estate hotspot.
Let's not speculate on Jermina's reasons for leaving; she will explain when she's ready.
🧠 Quick vocab quiz
Test yourself!
speculate most nearly means
(A) negotiate
(B) gamble
(C) summarize
(D) analyze
(E) reject
And one more:
In which of the following situations would someone most likely speculate?
(A) A scientist conducting a controlled experiment.
(B) A teacher grading exams.
(C) A stockbroker analyzing market trends.
(D) A chef preparing a meal.
(E) A gardener planting flowers.
Scroll down for the answer/s.
💁🏼 Tips!
Thew word part spec means see, and is related to many other words related to seeing--spectacles, spectator, inspect, and so on.
The term speculator, a noun, refers to a person who invests in stocks, property, etc., hoping to make a profit but risking loss. Remember, speculation involves risk and uncertainty!
✅ Quiz answer/s
Answers:
B, gamble.
C, A stockbroker analyzing market trends.