Spĕc'ū-lā-tīve, a.
a. [Fr. spéculatif, Pr. especulatiu, Sp. & Pg. especulativo, It. speculativo, specolativo.]
- Given to, or concerning, speculation; involving, or formed by, speculation; ideal; theoretical; not established by reason; imaginary. “The mind of man being by nature speculative.” Hooker.
- Pertaining to vision; also, prying; inquisitive; curious. [Rare.] Bacon.
- Pertaining to speculation in land, goods, and the like.
The speculative merchant exercises no one regular, established, or well-known branch of business. A. Smith.