talk over conjecturally, or review in an idle or casual way and with an element of doubt or without sufficient reason to reach a conclusion; "We were speculating whether the President had to resign after the scandal"
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.
reflect deeply on a subject; "I mulled over the events of the afternoon"; "philosophers have speculated on the question of God for thousands of years"; "The scientist must stop to observe and start to excogitate"
To take on a position with the intent of increasing return. The individual or firm that speculates does not use or supply the underlying commodity but is willing to assume some of the price risk associated with the commodity in order to earn a return. Speculators provide the market with liquidity.
In commodity trading, to take an option position without the intent of using or supplying the underlying commodity for the purpose of profiting from its price movement. Speculators help provide the market with liquidity.
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.