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

For low and intermediate intensities, the theoretical model captures only part of the experimental behavior.

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Their prices aren’t based on even a theoretical value of issuing enterprises such as corporations, municipalities or federal agencies.

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The scientists based their analysis on a theoretical framework they recently proposed called 'mantle wave' theory, which was named a finalist for Science magazine's 2024 Breakthrough of the Year.

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"We now could supply the theoretical basis of these observations and prove that the water in molecular cavities is energetically activated."

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However, Vitamin D is slightly different as "there's theoretical evidence of a small decrease in respiratory infections".

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Related Words

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