speculation speculation /ˌspɛkjəˈleɪʃən/

noun

1. () A hypothesis that has been formed by speculating or conjecturing (usually with little hard evidence)  ( conjecture , speculation )
   a hypothesis that has been formed by speculating or conjecturing (usually with little hard evidence)
    Speculations about the outcome of the election
   speculations about the outcome of the election
    He dismissed it as mere conjecture
   he dismissed it as mere conjecture
   
2. () A message expressing an opinion based on incomplete evidence  ( conjecture , hypothesis , supposition , guess , speculation , surmisal , surmise )
   a message expressing an opinion based on incomplete evidence
   
3. () An investment that is very risky but could yield great profits  ( speculation , venture )
   an investment that is very risky but could yield great profits
    He knew the stock was a speculation when he bought it
   he knew the stock was a speculation when he bought it
   
4. Continuous and profound contemplation or musing on a subject or series of subjects of a deep or abstruse nature  ( speculation , meditation )
   continuous and profound contemplation or musing on a subject or series of subjects of a deep or abstruse nature
    The habit of meditation is the basis for all real knowledge
   the habit of meditation is the basis for all real knowledge