How to pronounce speculation
Say it like spek-yuh-LAY-shun. Speculation has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (LAY).
- spek
- yuh
- LAY
- shun
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Speculation pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- spekGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- yuhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- LAYSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
- shunKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of speculation
American and British speakers say speculation in essentially the same way: /ˌspɛkjəˈleɪʃən/ in the US and /ˌspɛkjʊˈleɪʃən/ in the UK.
British respelling: spek-yuu-LAY-shun.
What does speculation mean?
- The process or act of thinking or meditating on a subject.
- The act or process of reasoning a priori from premises given or assumed.
- A conclusion to which the mind comes by speculating; mere theory; notion; conjecture.
Where does speculation come from?
From Middle English speculacioun, speculation, from Old French speculation (compare French spéculation), from Late Latin speculātiō, speculātiōnem, from Latin speculor.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with speculation
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of speculation.
Questions about saying speculation
How do you pronounce speculation?
Say spek-yuh-LAY-shun. The American pronunciation is /ˌspɛkjəˈleɪʃən/. In British English it is /ˌspɛkjʊˈleɪʃən/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in speculation?
Speculation has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (LAY). Broken into parts: spek · yuh · LAY · shun.
Do Americans and Brits say speculation the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˌspɛkjəˈleɪʃən/ and the British form is /ˌspɛkjʊˈleɪʃən/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.