noun
speculator
Someone who forms theories without firm evidence.
Without any evidence, the speculator blames the blackout on sabotage.
Etymology
The source's observing sense extended to mental consideration. A speculator forms possible explanations, especially when direct evidence does not settle the matter.
More examples
- Online speculators offer competing explanations for the strange lights.
- A careful historian checks sources rather than acting as a speculator.
- She calls him a speculator because his theory lacks evidence.
Forms
speculator · speculators
speculate verb — Form theories without enough supporting evidence.
speculation noun — Ideas or theories formed without firm evidence.
Similar words
- theorist
- Develops explanatory ideas, which may rest on strong evidence.
- guesser
- Suggests answers without certainty, not necessarily developing a theory.