speculation
UK: ˌspek.jʊˈleɪ.ʃən | US: ˌspek.jəˈleɪ.ʃən
n. 1. The act of forming opinions or theories without firm evidence.
n. 2. Investment in stocks, property, or other ventures in the hope of profit but with the risk of loss.
n. 3. A conclusion or opinion reached by speculating.
speculation = specul<observe> + ation<noun suffix>
- specul<observe>: From Latin speculari ("to watch, examine"), derived from specula ("watchtower"), related to specere ("to look").
- ation<noun suffix>: A suffix forming nouns indicating an action or process (e.g., "observation," "creation").
Etymology Origin:
The word traces back to Latin speculatio, meaning "act of observing" or "spying." Over time, it evolved to imply theoretical reasoning (16th century) and later financial risk-taking (18th century), reflecting the shift from literal observation to abstract "viewing" of possibilities.
His speculation about the election results proved incorrect.
The stock market thrives on speculation and calculated risks.
Her theory was dismissed as mere speculation.
The article encouraged speculation about the artist’s hidden motives.
Land speculation drove prices up in the developing area.