What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
guess
Example
I can only guess what the weather will be like tomorrow. [guess: verb]
Example
My guess is that he won't show up to the meeting. [guess: noun]
speculate
Example
The media is speculating about the cause of the accident. [speculating: verb]
Example
It's all just speculation at this point, we don't have any concrete evidence. [speculation: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Guess is more commonly used in everyday language than speculate. Guess is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while speculate is more commonly used in academic or professional settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between guess and speculate?
Speculate is a more formal word than guess. It is often used in academic or professional settings where precision and accuracy are important. Guess is more casual and can be used in informal settings.
