noun
speculation
spek-yuh-LAY-shun/ˌspekjuˈleɪʃn/
Forming ideas or judgments without definite knowledge.
The unexplained footprints lead to speculation about who crossed the yard.
Etymology
Observation broadened into contemplation and reasoning, then acquired the less favorable sense of mere conjecture. The financial meaning names buying and selling in hopes of profiting from changes in market value.
In context
pure speculation based on nothing no inside information I believe virgin orbit was supposed to be the money maker that made Virgin Galactic possible
More examples
- Her departure prompted speculation.
- Their speculations proved wrong.
- The report separated evidence from speculation.
Forms
speculation · speculations
speculate verb — form ideas or invest without certainty
Similar words
- conjecture
- An unproven explanation, often more specific than general speculation.
- guesswork
- Emphasizes reliance on guesses rather than evidence.