browse words by letter
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
i
j
k
l
m
n
o
p
q
r
s
t
u
v
w
x
y
z
speculated |
1 definition found From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]: Speculate \Spec"u*late\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Speculated}; p. pr & vb n. {Speculating}.] [L. speculatus p. p. of speculari to spy out observe, fr specula a lookout, fr specere to look See {Spy}.] 1. To consider by turning a subject in the mind, and viewing it in its different aspects and relations; to meditate; to contemplate; to theorize; as to speculate on questions in religion; to speculate on political events. It is remarkable that persons who speculate the most boldly often conform with the most pefect quietude to the external regulations of society. --Hawthorne. 2. (Philos.) To view subjects from certain premises given or assumed, and infer conclusions respecting them a priori. 3. (Com.) To purchase with the expectation of a contingent advance in value, and a consequent sale at a profit; -- often in a somewhat depreciative sense of unsound or hazardous transactions; as to speculate in coffee, in sugar, or in bank stock.
more about speculated