adv. [f. prec.]
1. In a speculative manner; in respect of, by means of, speculation.
1570. Dee, Math. Pref., C iij b. Thus can the Mathematicall minde deale Speculatiuely in his own Arte.
1599. Life More, in Wordsw., Eccl. Biog. (1863), II. 110. As [he] speculatively, so practicallie taught them to embrace vertue.
1631. R. H., Arraignm. Whole Creature, xii. § 6. 166. Salomon, as the wisest of men speculatively: as the best experienced of men, practically.
1693. Norris, Pract. Disc. (1711), III. 230. If he that is speculatively wise, did but joyn Consideration to his Notion, he would quickly become practically so.
1713. Guardian, No. 3, ¶ 1. These Sages of Iniquity are, it seems, themselves, only speculatively wicked.
1793. Burke, Obs. Conduct Minority, Wks. 1842, I. 623. It is not easy to state for what good end … Mr. Fox should be fond of referring to those theories, upon all occasions, even though speculatively they might be true.
1814. D’Israeli, Quarrels Auth. (1867), 454. No man was more speculatively bold, and more practically timorous.
1855. Macaulay, Hist. Eng., xv. III. 579. The objection was, beyond all doubt, speculatively just; but … no practical inconvenience was to be apprehended.
1875. Manning, Mission H. Ghost, ii. 37. I will endeavour, then, to draw this out, not speculatively, but practically.
b. With a speculative or meditative air.
1883. Rebecca Harding Davis, in Harper’s Mag., Sept., 625/2. She looked speculatively at the broad-backed linen duster.
2. Towards, by way of, commercial or financial speculation; on speculation.
1847. in Webster.
1898. Westm. Gaz., 16 Feb., 8/1. Whether the shares … should command a premium of 250 per cent. is a question best answered by the speculatively-inclined. Ibid. (1908), 10 Nov., 2/1. Occasionally a solicitor may be found who will take up his case speculatively.
