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.