Spec″u‐la‐tive (?), a. [Cf. F. spéculatif, 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. Bacon.
4. Of or pertaining to speculation in land, goods, shares, etc.; as, a speculative dealer or enterprise.
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.