theoretical
existing only in theory; hypothetical.
given to, forming, or dealing with theories; speculative.
Compare Meanings
Click for a side-by-side comparison of meanings. Use the word comparison feature to learn the differences between similar and commonly confused words.
Origin of theoretical
1- Often the·o·ret·ic [thee-uh-ret-ik] /ˌθi əˈrɛt ɪk/ .
Other words from theoretical
- the·o·ret·i·cal·ly, adverb
- an·ti·the·o·ret·i·cal, adjective
- non·the·o·ret·ic, adjective
- non·the·o·ret·i·cal, adjective
- un·the·o·ret·ic, adjective
- un·the·o·ret·i·cal, adjective
Words Nearby theoretical
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use theoretical in a sentence
Over half a century later, scientists found support for these theoretical models in the real world.
How a 19-year-old lion fathered 35 cubs in 18 months | Tom McNamara | August 27, 2020 | Popular-ScienceIf the experiments and the theoretical calculations check out, the discrepancy might be due to a new particle, but that explanation also seems unlikely.
A measurement of positronium’s energy levels confounds scientists | Emily Conover | August 24, 2020 | Science NewsThe team was able to transmit data at a rate of 11 gigabits per second, topping 5G’s theoretical maximum speed of 10 gigabits per second and fast enough to stream 4K high-def video in real time.
6G Will Be 100 Times Faster Than 5G—and Now There’s a Chip for It | Vanessa Bates Ramirez | August 21, 2020 | Singularity HubIf successful, the technique could help usher in the next generation of theoretical predictions.
The Mathematical Structure of Particle Collisions Comes Into View | Charlie Wood | August 20, 2020 | Quanta MagazineTheir work offers a taste of how the theoretical ideas being pursued by Krakauer, Flack and Ramstead might one day be applied.
What Is an Individual? Biology Seeks Clues in Information Theory. | Jordana Cepelewicz | July 16, 2020 | Quanta Magazine
What had seemed to be a theoretical and almost mythical project is just about to take concrete form.
China’s Nicaragua Canal Could Spark a New Central America Revolution | Nina Lakhani | November 30, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTThe renowned theoretical physicist has for years been a proponent of real-life, NASA-led interstellar travel.
Meet Kip Thorne, the Man Who Crafted the Artful Science of ‘Interstellar’ | Asawin Suebsaeng | November 14, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTIn a large society, there is just no way, no theoretical way, to choose, to elect, normal people.
Is It Time to Take a Chance on Random Representatives? | Michael Schulson | November 8, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTDr. Katherine (Katie) Mack is a theoretical astrophysicist at Melbourne University and has written for Slate, Time, and elsewhere.
But, until you advance some relevant theoretical claim a photo is just a photo—it is not “evidence.”
My Debate With an ‘Intelligent Design’ Theorist | Karl W. Giberson | April 21, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTThere is also a night-class for those working in the daytime who desire to extend their theoretical knowledge.
The Philippine Islands | John ForemanHe was the advocate of experimental rather than theoretical systems of medicine, and early adopted the practice of inoculation.
The Every Day Book of History and Chronology | Joel MunsellHence the theoretical and abstract character which they wear in the writings of Warburton and others.
The English Church in the Eighteenth Century | Charles J. Abbey and John H. OvertonIn a three-span bridge the theoretical advantage of continuity is about 49% for a dead load and 16% for a live load.
These are shown in Fig. 136, a theoretical restoration of the Marcellus theater mentioned above.
The Private Life of the Romans | Harold Whetstone Johnston
British Dictionary definitions for theoretical
theoretic (ˌθɪəˈrɛtɪk)
/ (ˌθɪəˈrɛtɪkəl) /
of or based on theory
lacking practical application or actual existence; hypothetical
using or dealing in theory; impractical
Derived forms of theoretical
- theoretically, adverb
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Browse