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Mr. Tom Posted 9 years ago
Vocabulary

Use of speculative

Hi

Would you say both of these carry the same meaning? speculative = matter of speculation

A - Everyone's saying she'll win the match.

B- It's all speculative.

or

B- It's a matter of speculation.

Thanks,

Tom

  

Top answer

They mean roughly the same. For me, "It's a matter of speculation" more strongly suggests that people currently are speculating about the matter, rather than its just being open to possible speculation. These replies may be too high-register for this conversation.

  • They mean roughly the same.
  • For me, "It's a matter of speculation" more strongly suggests that people currently are speculating about the matter, rather than its just being open to possible speculation.
  • These replies may be too high-register for this conversation.
  • Something like "Yeah, but no one really knows" seems more likely.
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2 Answers
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They mean roughly the same. For me, "It's a matter of speculation" more strongly suggests that people currently are speculating about the matter, rather than its just being open to possible speculation.

These replies may be too high-register for this conversation. Something like "Yeah, but no one really knows" seems more likely.

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Yes, I would.

But I feel the words may not be natural here. To me, 'speculative' usually implies the existence of some grounds, some evidence to be assessed. The etymology involves 'intelligent contemplation'.

For example, I don't just stick my head out of the window and speculate that it is going to rain. But I might speculate about whether the Republicans will be able to repeal O

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