Spec"u*la*tive (?), a. [Cf. F. sp'eculatif, L. speculativus.]

1.

Given to speculation; contemplative.

The mind of man being by nature speculative. Hooker.

2.

Involving, or formed by, speculation; ideal; theoretical; not established by demonstration.

Cudworth.

3.

Of or pertaining to vision; also, prying; inquisitive; curious.

[R.]

Bacon.

4.

Of or pertaining to speculation in land, goods, shares, etc.; as, a speculative dealer or enterprise.

<-- 5. (Finance) More risky than typical investments; not investment grade. -->

The speculative merchant exercises no one regular, established, or well-known branch of business. A. Smith.

-- Spec"u*la*tive*ly, adv. -- Spec"u*la*tive*ness, n.

 

© Webster 1913.