Speculate (Verb)
Meaning 1
To believe especially on uncertain or tentative grounds; "Scientists supposed that large dinosaurs lived in swamps".
Classification
Verbs of thinking, judging, analyzing, doubting.
Examples
- The researchers speculate that the impact of climate change on polar bears' habitats will increase over the next decade.
- Scientists speculate that water on ancient Mars was present in liquid form, making it possible for life to thrive.
- The archaeologists speculate that the mysterious stone circle served as a gathering place for ancient civilizations.
- Some scientists speculate that the new virus strain may be linked to recent deforestation and animal migration patterns.
- Experts speculate that the unusual dreams of the test subjects were influenced by the altered brain wave frequencies.
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Meaning 2
Reflect deeply on a subject; "I mulled over the events of the afternoon"; "philosophers have speculated on the question of God for thousands of years"; "The scientist must stop to observe and start to excogitate".
Classification
Verbs of thinking, judging, analyzing, doubting.
Examples
- Scientists have been trying to uncover the mystery of the universe for centuries, and some of them speculate that the truth may be far more surprising than we think.
- For years, philosophers have speculated on the concept of free will, raising fundamental questions about human morality and personal responsibility.
- Throughout the centuries, scholars have speculated about the authorship of ancient texts, sparking intense debates and discussions among intellectuals.
- The team of researchers decided to stop collecting data and start to speculate on the meaning of their discoveries, looking for patterns and connections that had not been apparent at first.
- Many have speculated about the potential consequences of climate change, from rising sea levels to devastating droughts, serving as a wake-up call for environmental action.
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Meaning 3
Invest at a risk; "I bought this house not because I want to live in it but to sell it later at a good price, so I am speculating".
Classification
Verbs of buying, selling, owning.
Examples
- The wealthy investor was known to speculate on the fluctuating housing market in the hopes of making a large profit.
- Many young adults speculate on cryptocurrency investments, often with impressive but unpredictable results.
- Some farmers speculate on future crop prices and sell their products in advance to secure favorable deals.
- With the housing market on the rise, she decided to speculate and purchase a few apartments to rent out.
- A savvy entrepreneur often speculates on new and emerging trends in the tech industry to invest in potentially lucrative startups.
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Meaning 4
Talk over conjecturally, or review in an idle or casual way and with an element of doubt or without sufficient reason to reach a conclusion; "We were speculating whether the President had to resign after the scandal".
Classification
Verbs of telling, asking, ordering, singing.
Examples
- The local residents were speculating about the reason behind the sudden closure of the nearby factory.
- People have been speculating about the price of oil next year since the global demand continues to fluctuate.
- The two detectives were speculating about the possible motive behind the mysterious thefts that had been happening in the neighborhood.
- Many social media users have been speculating about the intentions of the company with its recent acquisition.
- The students were speculating about their school's chances of winning the state championship after the star player got injured.