speculate
0 antonyms and opposites of speculate, grouped by meaning.
Verb — To guess or form a theory about something without having solid proof.
How to use speculate
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Latin speculārī ("to watch, observe, spy"), from specula ("a watchtower") — originally about "keeping watch," it drifted toward "forming a theory" and later "taking a financial gamble."
Full origin of speculate →Frequently asked questions
What does “speculate” mean?
The word “speculate” means to guess or form a theory about something without having solid proof. In plain terms, to guess based on limited facts, or to take a financial risk hoping for a big payoff.
How do you pronounce “speculate”?
“Speculate” is pronounced SPEHK-yuu-layt (/ˈspɛk.jəˌleɪt/ in IPA).
How do you use “speculate” in a sentence?
Here is “speculate” used in a sentence: “Reporters speculated about the reasons behind the sudden resignation.”
What part of speech is “speculate”?
“Speculate” is a verb.
Where does the word “speculate” come from?
The word “speculate” comes from Latin. From Latin speculārī ("to watch, observe, spy"), from specula ("a watchtower") — originally about "keeping watch," it drifted toward "forming a theory" and later "taking a financial gamble.".
Is “speculate” a common word?
“Speculate” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C1 level.
How many meanings does “speculate” have?
“Speculate” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to guess or form a theory about something without having solid proof.