Speculation: meaning, definitions and examples

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speculation

[ˌspɛkjʊˈleɪʃ(ə)n ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

financial market

The action of forming a theory or conjecture without firm evidence.

Synonyms

assumption, conjecture, theory.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
speculation	Used when discussing ideas or guesses that are based on incomplete information or without firm evidence. There is speculation about who will win the upcoming election. The company's future plans are the subject of much speculation.
conjecture	Used in situations where forming an opinion or conclusion based on incomplete information is involved, often implying a higher degree of uncertainty. Their conjecture about the cause of the accident was later disproved. The scientist offered a conjecture on how the universe may have been formed.
theory	Often used in scientific or academic settings to describe a system of ideas intended to explain something, based on general principles independent of the thing to be explained. Einstein's theory of relativity revolutionized physics. Darwin's theory of evolution explains the diversity of life on Earth.
assumption	Applied when referring to something that is accepted as true without proof, often as a basis for reasoning or action. His argument is based on the assumption that the economy will improve. We need to challenge the assumption that bigger is always better.

Examples of usage

The stock market is driven by speculation rather than by concrete data.
Speculation on the housing market can lead to a bubble burst.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

general

The contemplation or consideration of some subject.

Synonyms

consideration, contemplation, reflection.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
speculation	Used when discussing something that is uncertain or based on guesses. Often involves making assumptions without solid evidence. There is a lot of speculation about who will be the new CEO The media's speculation about the celebrity's private life caused many rumors
consideration	Used when carefully thinking about or paying attention to something, especially before making a decision. After much consideration, she decided to accept the job offer The committee gave full consideration to all the proposals
reflection	Used when thinking back or looking at past experiences, often to learn from them or gain insight. In moments of reflection, she realized how much she had changed The book encourages reflection on one's own life and choices
contemplation	Used when engaging in deep, prolonged thought, often about something complex or significant. He spent hours in contemplation of his future career The quiet park is a perfect place for contemplation

Examples of usage

There is much speculation about the outcome of the upcoming election.
Speculation about the future of technology is common in the industry.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

rumors

The spreading of rumors or gossip.

Synonyms

gossip, hearsay, rumors.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
speculation	Used when discussing thoughts or theories that are not based on definite evidence. Common in financial markets, science, or news when predicting future events. There is a lot of speculation about the company's new product launch. The economist’s speculation on the market trends caused some stir.
rumors	Information or a story that is passed from person to person but has not been verified. Often has a negative or potentially harmful connotation. There were rumors that the company was going to lay off employees. She didn't want to believe the rumors about her friend's behavior.
gossip	Refers to casual or unconstrained conversation about others, often involving details that are not confirmed as true. It is usually informal and can sometimes be seen as negative or intrusive. She loves to spread gossip about her colleagues during lunch breaks. The magazine is full of celebrity gossip.
hearsay	Statements or information passed from one person to another without any evidence. Often considered unreliable, particularly in legal contexts. In court, the judge dismissed the statement as hearsay. You shouldn't believe everything you hear; most of it is just hearsay.

Examples of usage

Speculation about their relationship was all over the tabloids.
Speculation about the celebrity's health was rampant.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Latin 'speculatio', which means 'looking' or 'watching'.
In the 14th century, the term was used to describe the act of pondering or reflecting deeply on a subject.

Economics

Within finance, speculation typically refers to buying assets with the hope that they will increase in value, despite the risk of loss.
The stock market often involves speculation, where traders predict future price movements based on various factors.

Philosophy

Philosophers have long debated the ethical implications of speculation, particularly in terms of predicting human behavior.
In epistemology, speculation is contrasted with knowledge that is justified and empirically verified.

Literature

Many literary works explore themes of speculation and uncertainty, reflecting human curiosity and the desire to understand the unknown.
Authors use speculative plots to engage readers in 'what if' scenarios, particularly in science fiction and fantasy genres.

Psychology

Humans have a tendency to make speculations about others' thoughts and feelings, which is part of social cognition.
Speculation can sometimes lead to misunderstandings, as assumptions made without solid evidence may not reflect reality.

Translations

Translations of the word "speculation" in other languages:

🇵🇹 especulação

🇮🇳 अटकल

🇩🇪 Spekulation

🇮🇩 spekulasi

🇺🇦 спекуляція

🇵🇱 spekulacja

🇯🇵 憶測

🇫🇷 spéculation

🇪🇸 especulación

🇹🇷 spekülasyon

🇰🇷 추측

🇸🇦 تخمين

🇨🇿 spekulace

🇸🇰 špekulácia

🇨🇳 猜测

🇸🇮 spekulacija

🇮🇸 ágiskun

🇰🇿 спекуляция

🇬🇪 სპეკულაცია

🇦🇿 spekulyasiya

🇲🇽 especulación

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,020 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.

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6017 gesture
6018 supporters
6019 civic
6020 speculation
6021 campaigns
6022 episode
6023 voluntarily
...