to believe especially on uncertain or tentative grounds; Scientists supposed that large dinosaurs lived in swamps

[ Syn: theorize , theorise , conjecture , hypothesize , hypothesise , hypothecate , suppose ]

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'

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

[ Syn: chew over , think over , meditate , ponder , excogitate , contemplate , muse , reflect , mull , mull over , ruminate ]

invest at a risk; I bought this house not because I want to live in it but to sell it later at a good price, so I am speculating

[ Syn: job ]