ˈspekjuleɪt v. 1 intr. (usu. foll. by
on,
upon, about)
form a
theory or
conjecture,
esp.
without a firm
factual basis;
meditate (speculated on
their prospects). 2 tr. (foll. by
that, how, etc. + clause) conjecture,
consider (speculated how he might
achieve it). 3 intr. a
invest in stocks etc. in
the hope of
gain but
with the
possibility of
loss. b
gamble recklessly. øøspeculator n. [L speculari
spy out,
observe f.
specula watch-tower f. specere look]