adjective
speculative
SPEK-yuh-luh-tiv/ˈspekjələtɪv/
Depending on uncertain possibilities rather than established results.
The archaeologist's speculative reconstructions suggest several possible vessels from the tiny fragment.
Etymology
The observing root developed a mental sense of contemplation. “Speculative” described what existed in theory rather than practice; its connection with speculation as mere conjecture explains the emphasis on ideas lacking firm evidence.
In context
what they speculated in this podcast and it was purely speculative by the way it wasn't fact based
More examples
- He avoids speculative investments that depend on sudden price increases.
- The article offers a speculative explanation for the team's decline.
- Any estimate of the final cost is still highly speculative.
Forms
speculative · more speculative · most speculative
speculate verb — To form ideas without enough firm evidence.
speculation noun — Ideas or conclusions based on uncertain evidence.
Similar words
- conjectural
- Emphasizes conclusions drawn from guesses rather than firm evidence.
- hypothetical
- Describes imagined situations used to explore possibilities or consequences.