Speculate: meaning, definitions and examples

Best used when discussing making decisions based on guesswork or predictions, often involving risk. It can be related to financial markets but also other uncertain outcomes.

• He likes to speculate on the outcome of the elections.
• Many investors speculate on stock prices, hoping to make a profit.

Used when referring to putting money, time, or effort into something with the expectation of achieving a profit or benefit. Typically implies a more calculated risk and longer-term commitment.

• She decided to invest in a diverse portfolio of stocks and bonds.
• He invested a lot of time in learning a new language.

Best used for the act of buying and selling goods, services, or financial instruments. Often implies a more systematic and ongoing activity within markets or between parties.

• She trades stocks on the New York Stock Exchange.
• The countries decided to trade goods to mutually benefit their economies.

Appropriate when referring to taking high-risk actions for a potential reward. Usually implies betting or staking money and often has a negative connotation due to the high level of risk and potential for loss.

• They decided to gamble their savings on a horse race.
• Entering a new market without proper research is like gambling.

Given this word was repeated, the context already provided should be considered.

• The journalists speculate about the potential political changes.
• Many people speculate on what the future might hold for the technology industry.

Use this informal word when someone is making an assumption or estimate without sufficient information. It is less formal and often used in everyday conversation.

• I guess it will rain today.
• Can you guess what I'm thinking?

This word is suitable for situations where a conclusion is drawn based on incomplete information. It often has a more academic or formal tone.

• Her conjecture about the outcome of the experiment was later proven to be correct.
• The archaeologists made a conjecture about the age of the artifact.

This word is used when foreseeing or declaring something in advance based on evidence or reasoning, often in a scientific or analytical context.

• Meteorologists predict that the storm will hit the coast by tomorrow.
• Economists predict a rise in inflation next year.

This word is used when you are guessing or making assumptions about something without having all the information. It often has a sense of uncertainty or risk.

• They speculate that the company might go bankrupt.
• She likes to speculate about the lives of celebrities.

This word is used for thinking deeply about something, often involving introspection or reflection. It is more meditative and serious.

• He likes to contemplate the meaning of life when he's alone.
• She spent hours contemplating the view from the mountain.

Use this when you are thinking about something carefully before making a decision. It often involves weighing the pros and cons.

• She will consider joining the team after the interview.
• We need to consider all the options before making a choice.

Use this when discussing something with others before making a decision. It often implies a formal or careful discussion.

• The jury will deliberate for several hours before reaching a verdict.
• We need to deliberate on the project's budget at the next meeting.