Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

on spec

Word Rarity Rare

Frequency: Zipf frequency 3.59 in modern English

Syllables: on spec
IPA

10

Scrabble Score

6

Letters

1

Syllables

6

Unique Chars

Meaning

adv

In hope of success, using one's best guess.

adv

With the hope of selling it, as opposed to on commission (for hire) or with some other likewise assured outlet for getting paid or reselling.

Colloquial

Example Sentences

"I had written him a letter which I had, for want of better Knowledge, sent to where I met him down the Lachlan, years ago, He was shearing when I knew him, so I sent the letter to him, Just on spec, addressed as follows, “Clancy, of The Overflow”."
"I'm writing an article on spec. I hope some magazine will buy it."
"He bought the land on spec — he thinks it's likely to be rezoned commercial and subdivided."
""Why doubt his guilt?" Wolfe's shoulders went up a fraction of an inch, and down again. "Divination. Contrariety." "I see." Unger pursed his midget mouth, which didn't need pursing. "You're shooting at it on spec.""

Etymology

Clipping of on speculation.

Usage

Colloquial

Phrases

spec home spec script

Frequently Paired Words

spec home spec script

Questions

What does on spec mean?: In hope of success, using one's best guess.
Where does on spec come from?: Clipping of on speculation.

How to pronounce on spec

Open the pronunciation page — Open the Speakur entry for “on spec”.
Read the phonetic spelling — Read the IPA spelling () so you know which sounds to aim for.
Play the audio — Click Play to hear reference audio for “on spec”.
Repeat and practice — Say “on spec” aloud, matching stress and vowels until it feels natural.