theoretical

American  

[thee-uh-ret-i-kuhl] / ˌθi əˈrɛt ɪ kəl /

Often theoretic

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.

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theoretical British  

/ ˌθɪəˈrɛtɪkəl, ˌθɪəˈrɛtɪk /

adjective

1. of or based on theory

2. lacking practical application or actual existence; hypothetical

3. using or dealing in theory; impractical

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Other Word Forms

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

Etymology

Origin of theoretical

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

Compare meaning

How does theoretical compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• empirical vs. theoretical
• actual vs. theoretical

Example Sentences

This kind of simplification reflects a theoretical concept introduced by mathematician Bernard Koopman in the 1930s.

From Science Daily

The challenges of hand-to-mouth were not at all theoretical.

From The Wall Street Journal

Current theoretical models now suggest that superconductivity above room temperature may be possible in several hydrogen-dominated systems when subjected to extreme pressure.

From Science Daily

Their approach relies on a detailed theoretical model grounded in Einstein's theory of general relativity.

From Science Daily

Bin Gao, a research scientist in Rice's Department of Physics and Astronomy and the study's first author, said the findings back up decades of theoretical expectations.

From Science Daily

Related Words

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