| 释义 |
spec·u·late
\ˈspekyəˌlāt sometimes ÷ -kə-; usu -ād.+V\ verb
(-ed/-ing/-s)
Etymology: Latin speculatus, past participle of speculari to spy out, observe, examine, from specula watchtower, from specere to look, catch sight of — more at spy
transitive verb
archaic : to mull over in the mind : consider attentively or as an object of study : reflect upon
intransitive verb
1.
a. : to ponder a subject in its different aspects, relations, and implications : indulge in contemplation : evolve ideas or theories by mental reexamination of a subject or matter and usually without experimentation or introduction of new data
b. : to reason a priori
c. : to review something mentally or orally in an idle or casual manner and usually with an element of doubt or without sufficient evidence to reach a sound or meaningful conclusion
< speculating about the chances of rain >
< we may speculate about strangers >
2. : to enter into a business transaction or other venture from which the profits, return of invested capital, or other good are conjectural because of the risks involved and knowingly assumed: as
a. : to purchase or sell with the expectation of profiting by anticipated but conjectural fluctuations in price
b. : to engage in hazardous business transactions for the chance of an unusually large profit; especially : to gamble on a stock or commodity market
< speculate in coffee >
Synonyms: see think |