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. [R.] 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.
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. [R.] 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.
