speculate
(verb)
verb
1. to believe especially on uncertain or tentative grounds
Similar word(s): conjecture, hypothecate, hypothesise, hypothesize, suppose, theorise, theorize
Definition categories: cognition, anticipate, expect
2. 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
Definition categories: communication, reason
3. reflect deeply on a subject
- philosophers have speculated on the question of God for thousands of years
Similar word(s): contemplate, excogitate, meditate, mull, muse, ponder, reflect, ruminate
Definition categories: cognition, cerebrate, cogitate, think
4. 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
Similar word(s): job
Definition categories: possession, commit, invest, place, put