Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Speculative
Spec′u-la-tive
(spĕk′ū̍-lȧ-tĭv)
, Adj.
[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.
[R.]
Bacon.
4.
Of or pertaining to speculation in land, goods, shares, etc.;
as, a
. speculative
dealer or enterpriseThe
– 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
, Noun.
Webster 1828 Edition
Speculative
SPEC'ULATIVE
, a.1.
Given to speculation; contemplative; applied to persons. The min of man being by nature speculative-2.
Formed by speculation; theoretical; ideal; not verified by fact, experiment or practice; as a scheme merely speculative.3.
Pertaining to view; also, prying.