speculate

speculate about (someone or something)

To conjecture, hypothesize, or make guesses about someone or something without having supporting or conclusive evidence. We've all been speculating about the mysterious man who moved into the house two doors down. It's certain to be a gamble, but until we try it, all we can do is speculate about how the product will do on the market.
See also: speculate

speculate in (something)

To buy or sell some asset, such as commodities, securities, property, etc., at a risk while hoping to gain a profit from short-term market fluctuations. My uncle made, then promptly lost, a fortune speculating in oil wells in the 1980s. You'd be a fool to speculate in dairy in today's market.
See also: speculate

speculate on (something)

To conjecture, hypothesize, or make guesses about something without having supporting or conclusive evidence. You can't just speculate on what effect this legislation will have on the country—you've got to have some concrete data to show it will work! Instead of spending your energy speculating on the future, you should focus on the present and do what makes you happy.
See also: on, speculate
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

speculate about someone or something

to make guesses about someone or something; to hypothesize about someone or something. I refuse to speculate about Sally. I don't presume to guess what she will do. We don't speculate about the future.
See also: speculate

speculate in something

to make risky business deals in the buying and selling of something. Jeff made a fortune speculating in cotton. I do not wish to speculate in anything. It is too risky.
See also: speculate

speculate on something

to make a hypothesis about something. I really don't want to speculate on what might happen next. Would you care to speculate on what might happen if you quit your job?
See also: on, speculate
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
See also:
  • speculate about
  • speculate about (someone or something)
  • speculate in
  • speculate on
  • speculate on (something)
  • theorise
  • theorised
  • theorises
  • theorising
  • theorize about
References in periodicals archive
One can only speculate why some continue to misrepresent computer technology.
The role of microfilm in information management: current and past problems with digital long-term storage have been well publicized. Is it possible to guarantee the preservation of history and allow for future processing of it? (Tech Trends)
While May sees this new culture as a product of an urban and industrial economy, he also speculates about the cultural contribution of the Civil War.
Three Frontiers: Family, Land and Society in the American West, 1860-1900
"You can only speculate about doing better at another location."
Paprin returns to real estate market by purchasing distressed shopping centers
Some competitors speculate that RS300 may be alloyed with polybutene, PET or PBT for chemical resistance.
Enter a new crop of enhanced HIPS
Small wonder, then, that University of Tennessee economist Paul Davidson was moved to speculate, in a recent issue of The Nation, that it might not have made much economic difference "if President Bush had been re-elected and done nothing to change either the tax structure or the spending pattern of the Federal Government in 1993."
Flash and filigree
During the past year, at various gatherings celebrating the centennial of the 1891 law that created the national forests, I was asked to speculate about the future of these public lands.
The public forests of tomorrow
At almost exactly the same time, Darwin began to read the theories of Lamarck and to speculate upon the "mutability of species," as the idea of evolution was then known.
Charles Darwin: A New Life
for the brewery's equipment, which, analysts speculate, will be liquidated when he takes control.
Hibernia Brewing Ltd. sold to dairyman
" There have been news reports that speculate about my meeting a person named Headley through Bhatt saab 's son Rahul.
Kangna to sue TV channel for Headley buzz
In contrast, engineered polystyrene nanoparticles with no organics attached had no apparent effects, leading the team to speculate that the small size of engineered nanoparticles may not be solely responsible for inducing mitochondrial and cellular damage.
Cellular energy crisis: particulate hitchhikers damage mitochondria
In a racially divided Britain, pundits speculate that he may have an advantage with his profound understanding of Islam.
Who will follow (George) Carey?
He said at the annual conference in Bournemouth: "If they can speculate about the future of the industry, we are entitled to speculate about our response."
POST STAFF STRIKE ROW
Wegman is not afraid to speculate about mysterious causes that may lie behind - and the equally mysterious meaning that may lie within - the neutral notes on the page.
Born for the Muses: The Life and Masses of Jacob Obrecht
The Bureau of Customs (BOC) is considering the ambush of deputy commissioner Arturo Lachica an 'isolated incident' as the agency's chief declined to speculate on the motives behind the murder.
BOC chief says ambush of deputy an 'isolated incident'
The 44-year-old actress was clicked with her husband Andrew Upton along with fellow actors Amy Adams and her fiance Darren Le Gallo at the parlour, which most of the press widely speculate was to mark her winning the best actress award for her performance in Woody Allen's 'Blue Jasmine,' the Sydney Morning Herald reported.
Cate Blanchett's Oscars tattoo could be a tribute to pal Philip Seymour Hoffman