speculate

To suggest what might be true when you do not have enough facts to be sure.

• We can only speculate about the cause.
• Reporters speculated that she would resign.
• It is too early to speculate on the results.

How to use it: speculate about/on something (Experts speculated about the reasons for the delay.); speculate that… (They speculated that the painting was a copy.); speculate whether… (We can only speculate whether prices will rise.)

Similar words: guess, conjecture

Common phrases: speculate about something, speculate on something, speculate that something

To buy and sell things such as shares, taking risks to try to make a large profit.

• He speculates in shares.
• They lost money speculating in property.
• Some traders speculate on changes in oil prices.

How to use it: speculate in something (She began to speculate in foreign currencies.); speculate on something (Investors speculated on a rise in wheat prices.)

Common phrases: speculate in shares, speculate on prices, speculate in property