theoretically
[ thee-uh-ret-ik-lee ]
/ ˌθi əˈrɛt ɪk li /
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adverb
in principle; according to reasonable assumptions or rules, as opposed to what actually happens: Theoretically they are free to work, but in practice they can’t because we do not recognize their credentials.
in a way that is purely speculative; hypothetically: It seems that theoretically the central bank could constrain government spending by allowing treasury checks to bounce.
according to, or in a way that relates to, a scientific theory: An alloy with a particular composition can be modeled to determine theoretically whether it has suitable mechanical and physical properties for medical applications.
in a way that relates to the set of principles or methods belonging to a particular subject, art, or activity:Taking classes in all four fields—politics, economics, history, and culture—allows students to be grounded theoretically in the humanities and social sciences.
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“Was” is used for the indicative past tense of “to be,” and “were” is only used for the subjunctive past tense.
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Origin of theoretically
OTHER WORDS FROM theoretically
an·ti·the·o·ret·i·cal·ly, adverbnon·the·o·ret·i·cal·ly, adverbun·the·o·ret·i·cal·ly, adverbWords nearby theoretically
order of the day, the, Theorell, theorem, theoretic, theoretical, theoretically, theoretician, theoretics, The Orient, Origin of Species, The, theorist
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021