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speculate

spec·u·late

speculate

 
 
pronunciation:
spek y leIt
parts of speech:
intransitive verb, transitive verb
features:
Word Combinations (verb), Word Explorer, Grammatical Patterns, Word Parts
part of speech: intransitive verb
inflections: speculates, speculating, speculated
definition 1: to wonder or make a guess or guesses with respect to something.
We have no facts, so we can only speculate as to her motives.I don't want to speculate about the nature of their relationship.Would you like to speculate on the possibility of her running for governor next year?
synonyms:
conjecture, guess, hypothesize, surmise, theorize, wonder
similar words:
cogitate, contemplate, meditate, mull, ponder, reflect, ruminate, see, suppose, think
definition 2: to engage in a risky business transaction that promises the possibility of large profits.
The older brother liked to speculate despite the risks of losing money, but the younger brother always played it safe.
synonyms:
gamble
similar words:
chance it, plunge, trade, venture, wager
definition 3: to buy, produce, or build something in anticipation of an increase in its price.
similar words:
invest
 
part of speech: transitive verb
definition 1: to put forward (a guess or a theory) despite lack of sufficient evidence (fol. by a clause).
The press is speculating that the bomb blast was carried out by terrorists.[verb + (that) + clause ]
definition 2: to wonder about or consider.
I'm just speculating whether or not he really knew what he was doing.[verb + WH/whether/if + clause ]
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  money, think
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