speculate

speculate — verb

1. To think of possible explanations for something without having the information n

1.動詞及物 / 不及物B2
釋義

To think of possible explanations for something without having the information needed to be certain.

例句

Without seeing the exam results, the students could only speculate about who passed.

speculate + about + noun phrase

Journalists speculated that the mayor would resign after the scandal broke.

speculate + that-clause

同義詞
  • guess

    Less formal and more spontaneous; does not imply a process of reasoning

  • conjecture

    More formal; suggests forming a theory from incomplete evidence

  • theorize

    Suggests a broader system of explanation, often with more structured reasoning

反義詞
  • know

    Having certainty based on evidence rather than guesswork

文法句型

speculate + about/on + noun phrase

speculate + that-clause

用法筆記

Common with prepositions about and on to introduce the topic of speculation. The that-clause pattern is used when stating the specific guess or theory.

常見錯誤

❌The police speculated a robbery.
✅The police speculated that a robbery had taken place.
💡When guess is stated as a full idea, use a that-clause, not a direct object.
❌I speculate you are right.
✅I think you are right.
💡For a firmly held belief, use think or believe, not speculate, which implies uncertainty.

2. To buy property, shares, or goods intending to resell them for more than they co

2.動詞不及物B2
釋義

To buy property, shares, or goods intending to resell them for more than they cost — accepting the risk that prices may drop and money will be lost.

例句

Liang made a fortune by speculating in technology stocks before the market boom.

speculate in [type of investment]

Some investors prefer to speculate on currency movements rather than hold shares long-term.

speculate on [market]

同義詞
  • trade

    Broader term; does not necessarily imply high risk or short-term profit motive

  • gamble

    More negative; suggests reckless risk-taking without analysis

反義詞
  • invest

    Implies a longer-term strategy with careful research rather than betting on price movements

文法句型

speculate + in/on + financial asset

用法筆記

Subject is usually a person or institution acting in a financial context. Object is typically a financial asset (stocks, land, currency, commodities). Frequently used with prepositions in (the asset class) or on (the specific item or market).

常見錯誤

❌She speculated a house.
✅She speculated in property.
💡Use a preposition (in/on) before the type of investment, not a direct object.