The meaning of SPECULATIVE is involving, based on, or constituting intellectual speculation; also : theoretical rather than demonstrable. How to use speculative in a sentence.

speculative adjective (DONE FOR PROFIT) Add to word list bought or done in order to make a profit in the future: a speculative venture

SPECULATIVE meaning: 1 : based on guesses or ideas about what might happen or be true rather than on facts; 2 : tending to think about what might happen or be true tending to speculate

Someone who has a speculative expression seems to be trying to guess something about a person or thing. His mother regarded him with a speculative eye.

Definition of speculative adjective in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

1. pertaining to, of the nature of, or characterized by speculation, conjecture, or abstract reasoning. 2. theoretical, rather than practical. 3. given to speculation, as a person or the mind. 4. of or involving …

Jun 25, 2025 · speculative (comparative more speculative, superlative most speculative) Characterized by speculation; based on guessing, unfounded opinions, or extrapolation. quotations

There are 18 meanings listed in OED's entry for the word speculative, six of which are labelled obsolete. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.

Mar 27, 2024 · Speculative broadly describes ventures, theories, or investments involving risk for potential high reward, while speculatory focuses more on the act of speculating itself.

Speculative definition: pertaining to, of the nature of, or characterized by speculation, contemplation, conjecture, or abstract reasoning.. See examples of SPECULATIVE used in a sentence.