theoretically

American  

[thee-uh-ret-ik-lee] / ˌθi əˈrɛt ɪk li /

adverb

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

---

Other Word Forms

• antitheoretically adverb
• nontheoretically adverb
• untheoretically adverb

Etymology

Origin of theoretically

theoretical ( def. ) + -ly

Example Sentences

Microsoft’s gross debt is only 0.22 times its earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization, or Ebitda, which means it could theoretically pay all its debt in under three months.

From Barron's

The U.S. government is theoretically among the most transparent in the world, required to disclose data routinely on everything from spending and loans to employment figures.

From The Wall Street Journal

Even though housing payments theoretically go up when rates go up, “you find ways to make it work.”

From MarketWatch

A purchase is theoretically possible and has historic precedents—although expanding one’s territory with gold or other payments has become rarer in modern times as nation states replaced empires and kingly realms.

From The Wall Street Journal

Some U.S. refineries that process Canadian crude could theoretically switch to Venezuelan blends.

From Barron's