speculation
/ˌspɛkjəˈleɪʃən/
Syllables spe·cu·la·tion
Stress spe-cu-LA-tion
Phonics Breakdown
spe
/spɛ/
short e
cu
/kjə/
schwa
la
/leɪ/
long a_e
tion
/ʃən/
tion ending
Meaning
the forming of a theory or conjecture without firm evidence; investment risk-taking
Sound Reference
💡
spe=/spɛ/(special) + cu=/kjə/(secure) + la=/leɪ/(late) + tion=/ʃən/(nation)
Example
The report was based on speculation rather than solid evidence.