speculative

[spek-yuh-ley-tiv, -luh-tiv]

adjective

1. pertaining to, of the nature of, or characterized by speculation, contemplation, conjecture, or abstract reasoning.

   a speculative approach.

2. theoretical, rather than practical.

   speculative conclusions.

3. given to speculation, as persons, the mind, etc.

4. of the nature of or involving commercial or financial speculation.

   speculative ventures.

5. engaging in or given to such speculation.

ˈspeculative

/ ˈspɛkjʊlətɪv /

adjective

1. relating to or characterized by speculation, esp financial speculation

Other Word Forms

• speculatively adverb
• speculativeness noun
• antispeculative adjective
• antispeculatively adverb
• antispeculativeness noun
• hyperspeculative adjective
• hyperspeculatively adverb
• hyperspeculativeness noun
• nonspeculative adjective
• nonspeculatively adverb
• nonspeculativeness noun
• overspeculative adjective
• overspeculatively adverb
• overspeculativeness noun
• semispeculative adjective
• semispeculatively adverb
• semispeculativeness noun
• unspeculative adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of speculative¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English word from Late Latin word speculātīvus. See speculate, -ive

Related Words

• analytical 
• dangerous 
• experimental 
• hypothetical 
• risky 
• unproved 
• unproven 
• unsubstantiated