What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
theorise
Example
Scientists theorize that the universe began with a Big Bang. [theorize: verb]
Example
The professor theorized that the results of the experiment were due to a specific chemical reaction. [theorized: past tense]
speculate
Example
I can only speculate about what happened to the missing documents. [speculate: verb]
Example
The media has been speculating about the reasons behind the celebrity's sudden disappearance. [speculating: present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Speculate is more commonly used than theorize in everyday language. Speculate is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while theorize is less common and is typically used in academic or scientific contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between theorise and speculate?
Theorize is associated with a more formal and serious tone, while speculate can be more casual and playful. However, both words can be used in formal and informal contexts depending on the situation and audience.
