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Wordabulary

speculate

Pronunciation
Verb B2 Upper-intermediate

Quick answer

To form an opinion or guess about something without having all the facts.

"Reporters speculated about the reasons behind her sudden resignation."

Synonyms and antonyms

Synonyms

guess conjecture

Usage notes

In finance, "speculate" also means to buy something risky in the hope its price will rise, a more specific sense than the everyday one.

Test yourself

Which word fits the gap? "Reporters _____ about the reasons behind her sudden resignation."

Answer: speculate

In your own words, what does "speculate" mean?

To form an opinion or guess about something without having all the facts.

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