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

Derived Forms

• ˈspeculativeness, noun
• ˈspeculatively, adverb

Other Words From

• specu·lative·ly adverb
• specu·lative·ness noun
• anti·specu·lative adjective
• anti·specu·lative·ly adverb
• anti·specu·lative·ness noun
• hyper·specu·lative adjective
• hyper·specu·lative·ly adverb
• hyper·specu·lative·ness noun
• non·specu·lative adjective
• non·specu·lative·ly adverb
• non·specu·lative·ness noun
• over·specu·lative adjective
• over·specu·lative·ly adverb
• over·specu·lative·ness noun
• semi·specu·lative adjective
• semi·specu·lative·ly adverb
• semi·specu·lative·ness noun
• un·specu·lative adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of speculative¹

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

Example Sentences

In a departure from speculative narratives, Timothy Snyder's "On Tyranny: Twenty Lessons from the Twentieth Century" made the top 10, reports CBS News.

From Salon

Why do we jeopardize the mental health of our children to gain speculative, but unproven, advantages from active-shooter drills?

From Salon

Why do we jeopardize the mental health of our children to gain speculative, but unproven, advantages from active-shooter drills?

From Salon

While that logic is largely agreed upon by economists, some progressives have stressed that the plan will only be effective if a Harris administration invests primarily in low-cost housing built for low-income renters and detached from the speculative market.

From Salon

In a 30-minute experience, Woo’s audio tour moves between a guided meditation and speculative disaster horror, evoking multiple perspectives of the river’s history and future.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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