theoretical

Often the·o·ret·ic

[thee-uh-ret-i-kuhl]

adjective

1. of, relating to, or consisting in theory; not practical (applied ).

2. existing only in theory; hypothetical.

3. given to, forming, or dealing with theories; speculative.

theoretical

/ ˌθɪəˈrɛtɪkəl, ˌθɪəˈrɛtɪk /

adjective

1. of or based on theory

2. lacking practical application or actual existence; hypothetical

3. using or dealing in theory; impractical

Other Word Forms

• theoretically adverb
• antitheoretical adjective
• nontheoretic adjective
• nontheoretical adjective
• untheoretic adjective
• untheoretical adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of theoretical¹

First recorded in 1610–20; theoretic, from Late Latin theōrēticus, from Greek theōrētikós, equivalent to theōrēt(ós) “to be seen” (verbal adjective derived from theōreîn “to view”) + -ikos -ic; -al ¹

Example Sentences

The study, published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, provides the theoretical foundation that could eventually lead to new electronic devices controlled by simple magnets.

Read more on Science Daily

Their work demonstrated that tunnelling can happen not only in a more theoretical world, but also in electrical circuits in the 'real world'.

Read more on BBC

Some people can live for many years with MND, including theoretical physicist Stephen Hawking, who was diagnosed at the age of 22 and lived to 76.

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Richard Horne, chief executive of National Cyber Security Centre, said cyber attacks may sound theoretical and technical, but have "real world impact on real people".

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When Anni Albers published her theoretical magnum opus “On Weaving” in 1965, she was already lamenting the loss of our tactile sensibilities, which have undeniably worsened in the digital era.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• abstract 
• academic 
• analytical 
• imaginative 
• intellectual 
• logical 
• metaphysical 
• philosophical 
• speculative 
• vague