What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
rumor
Example
There's a rumor going around that the company is going bankrupt. [rumor: noun]
Example
I heard a rumor that they're getting married next month. [rumor: noun]
speculation
Example
There's been a lot of speculation about who will win the election. [speculation: noun]
Example
The media is full of speculation about the cause of the accident. [speculation: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Rumor is more commonly used than speculation in everyday language. Rumor is often used in informal contexts, such as gossip or hearsay, while speculation is more commonly used in formal or professional settings, such as business or politics.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between rumor and speculation?
Speculation is generally considered more formal than rumor. Speculation is often used in academic or professional contexts, while rumor is more commonly used in casual or social situations.
