adj
theoretical
theer-REH-tih-kuhl
adj
1
Based on theory or reasoning rather than practical experience or proof.
"The idea works in theoretical terms, but hasn't been tested in practice."
"She specializes in theoretical physics rather than lab experiments."
How to Use Theoretical
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishExisting as an idea or possibility, not (yet) proven or applied in the real world.
Common pairings
theoretical physics
purely theoretical
theoretical possibility
Word Forms
more theoretical comparative, most theoretical superlative
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The idea works in _____ terms, but hasn't been tested in practice.
Etymology
From Late Latin theoreticus, from Greek theoretikos, related to theoria ("contemplation, theory").