Basic Details
Word: Speculation
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: The act of forming ideas or guesses about something without having complete information.
Synonyms: Conjecture, guess, theory
Antonyms: Certainty, fact
Idioms and Phrases
- Put to speculation: To leave something uncertain and open for interpretation. Example: "The reason for the sudden change in schedule was left to speculation among the students."
- In the realm of speculation: To discuss something hypothetically without solid proof. Example: "The possibility of life on other planets is often discussed in the realm of speculation."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The teacher encouraged speculation about the storys ending based on the clues provided in the text.
Example 2: There was much speculation about where the missing treasure could be hidden.
Example 3: After the announcement, speculation ran wild about who would be the next team leader.
Fun Fact
The word speculation comes from the Latin word speculari, which means to look out or to observe. It emphasises the act of observing and forming ideas based on what one sees, even without definitive proof.
Famous Quote
"A wise man will make more opportunities than he finds." Francis Bacon. This highlights that speculation can lead to new ideas and possibilities.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "speculation" mean?
a) A clear fact
b) An act of guessing or forming ideas without complete information
c) A physical action
d) A type of evidence
Answer: b) An act of guessing or forming ideas without complete information
2. Which of these is a synonym of "speculation"?
a) Certainty
b) Theory
c) Reality
d) Complete knowledge
Answer: b) Theory
3. Which of these is an antonym of "speculation"?
a) Guess
b) Theory
c) Fact
d) Idea
Answer: c) Fact
4. Which sentence uses "speculation" correctly?
a) The speculation on the new movie's success was intense before its release.
b) The speculation solved the mystery completely.
c) The speculation was very certain.
d) The speculation made everyone angry.
Answer: a) The speculation on the new movie's success was intense before its release.
5. Which idiom refers to leaving something uncertain?
a) In the realm of speculation
b) A bird in the hand
c) A stitch in time
d) The grass is always greener
Answer: a) In the realm of speculation
