Word
speculative
Phoneticsspec·u·la·tive, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈspɛkjəɫətɪv/
UK/spˈɛkjʊlətˌɪv/
Definitions
01based on guessing
B2 · Upper Intermediate Academic
adj. based on guessing or theories rather than on facts that you can prove.
adj. involving or based on conjecture rather than established facts or firm evidence.
“The news report was purely speculative because the police had not released any details yet.”
“The scientist admitted that her conclusions were largely speculative, as the current data set was too small to support a definitive theory.”
Usage
Often used to describe theories, news reports, or conclusions that lack evidence.
Synonyms
02risky business or investment
C1 · Advanced Formal
adj. done in the hope of making a large profit but with a high risk of losing money.
adj. pertaining to financial or commercial ventures involving high risk and the potential for significant fluctuation in value.
“He lost a lot of money on speculative investments in the tech market.”
“The sudden collapse of the speculative housing bubble left many first-time buyers with properties worth less than their original loans.”
Usage
Commonly modifies nouns like 'investment', 'bubble', 'venture', or 'trade'.
Real-World Examples
“Until then, their only shot on target was Mendy’s speculative shot from 30 yards.” “Her lawyers also argued some evidence in the trial was too speculative and that evidence crucial to their own case was wrongfully excluded.” Etymology
Inherited from Middle English speculatyf, borrowed from Old French speculatif or directly from Late Latin speculativus, from Latin speculor.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/speculative