theoretical
Americanadjective
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of, relating to, or consisting in theory; not practical (applied ).
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existing only in theory; hypothetical.
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given to, forming, or dealing with theories; speculative.
adjective
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of or based on theory
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lacking practical application or actual existence; hypothetical
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using or dealing in theory; impractical
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
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Scientists at Kyoto University have developed a theoretical model examining whether disturbances in the ionosphere could apply electrostatic forces deep within the Earth's crust.
From Science Daily
Rather, they often operate in what is called the "Multiple Attractors" phase, a concept predicted in 2017 by theoretical physicist Guy Bunin.
From Science Daily
Energy Information Administration estimates that there are enough engines in retired military aircraft to convert to as much as 40 GW of power generating capacity, though this figure is very theoretical.
The authors emphasize that the theoretical contribution was "crucial for understanding this highly sophisticated experiment," highlighting the combined effort behind this advance in quantum computing.
From Science Daily
The threat of malicious AI swarms is no longer theoretical: Our evidence suggests these tactics are already being deployed.
From Salon
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
