theoretically

[thee-uh-ret-ik-lee]

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of theoretically¹

theoretical ( def. ) + -ly

Example Sentences

Although the method is still in early stages and requires much more testing, it could theoretically be used to treat loss of function in many different tissues throughout the body.

Read more on Science Daily

Brussels could either slap X with a fine on the basis of the platform's turnover or on the revenues of Musk's entire business empire, including Tesla -- which the bloc's rules theoretically allow it to do.

Read more on Barron's

Westinghouse estimates an “overnight cost” of roughly $10 billion per reactor—a sum that omits financing charges and assumes the plants could theoretically be built overnight.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Companies would theoretically also be able to avoid opposition from communities that don’t want data centers in their backyards and sidestep regulations that bog down construction on Earth.

Read more on MarketWatch

BOTHA: Unfortunately, there’s no way for us to know what is or is not for the global good until someone actually teleports, which could, theoretically, destroy life as we know it.

Read more on Literature