speculation

[ spek-yuh-ley-shuhn ]
/ ˌspɛk yəˈleɪ ʃən /

noun

the contemplation or consideration of some subject: to engage in speculation on humanity's ultimate destiny.
a single instance or process of consideration.
a conclusion or opinion reached by such contemplation: These speculations are impossible to verify.
conjectural consideration of a matter; conjecture or surmise: a report based on speculation rather than facts.
engagement in business transactions involving considerable risk but offering the chance of large gains, especially trading in commodities, stocks, etc., in the hope of profit from changes in the market price.
a speculative commercial venture or undertaking.

Origin of speculation

1325–75; Middle English speculacioun < Late Latin speculātiōn- (stem of speculātiō) exploration, observation. See speculate, -ion

SYNONYMS FOR speculation

3 supposition, view, theory, hypothesis.

OTHER WORDS FROM speculation

Words nearby speculation

spectrum analyser, spectrum analysis, spectrum disorder, specular, speculate, speculation, speculative, speculative fiction, speculative philosophy, speculator, speculum

British Dictionary definitions for non-speculation

speculation
/ (ˌspɛkjʊˈleɪʃən) /

noun

the act or an instance of speculating
a supposition, theory, or opinion arrived at through speculating
investment involving high risk but also the possibility of high profits