a. [ Cf. F. spéculatif, L. speculativus. ] 1. Given to speculation; contemplative. [ 1913 Webster ] The mind of man being by nature speculative. Hooker. [ 1913 Webster ] 2. Involving, or formed by, speculation; ideal; theoretical; not established by demonstration. Cudworth. [ 1913 Webster ] 3. Of or pertaining to vision; also, prying; inquisitive; curious. [ R. ] Bacon. [ 1913 Webster ] 4. Of or pertaining to speculation in land, goods, shares, etc.; as, a speculative dealer or enterprise. [ 1913 Webster ] The speculative merchant exercises no one regular, established, or well-known branch of business. A. Smith. [ 1913 Webster ] 5. (Finance) More risky than typical investments; not investment grade. [ PJC ] -- Spec"u*la*tive*ly, adv. -- Spec"u*la*tive*ness, n. [ 1913 Webster ] |