adj
Common
theoretical
theer-REH-tih-kuhl
Theoretical (adj) means Based on theory or reasoning rather than practical experience or proof. Example: “Their plan is only theoretical until engineers build a working model.”
adj
1
Based on theory or reasoning rather than practical experience or proof.
"Their plan is only theoretical until engineers build a working model."
"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.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
theoretical physics
purely theoretical
theoretical possibility
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more theoretical
- Superlative
- most theoretical
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Their plan is only _____ until engineers build a working model.
Etymology
From Late Latin theoreticus, from Greek theoretikos, related to theoria ("contemplation, theory").
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for theoretical
See all rhymes for theoretical →Frequently asked questions
What does “theoretical” mean?
The word “theoretical” means based on theory or reasoning rather than practical experience or proof. In plain terms, existing as an idea or possibility, not (yet) proven or applied in the real world.
How do you pronounce “theoretical”?
“Theoretical” is pronounced theer-REH-tih-kuhl (/ˌθi.əˈɹɛt.ɪ.kəl/ in IPA).
How do you use “theoretical” in a sentence?
Here is “theoretical” used in a sentence: “The idea works in theoretical terms, but hasn't been tested in practice.”
What part of speech is “theoretical”?
“Theoretical” is an adjective.
Where does the word “theoretical” come from?
The word “theoretical” comes from Late Latin. From Late Latin theoreticus, from Greek theoretikos, related to theoria ("contemplation, theory").
Is “theoretical” a common word?
“Theoretical” is a fairly common word in modern English.
What is the difference between theoretical and practical?
Theoretical means based on theory or reasoning rather than hands-on experience: theoretical knowledge comes from study and analysis. Practical refers to actual doing and application, which is why a course might pair theoretical lectures with practical workshops.
What is the difference between theoretical and hypothetical?
Theoretical describes something grounded in theory or reasoning, which may be well supported even if not yet proven in practice. Hypothetical describes something merely imagined or assumed for the sake of argument, as in "a hypothetical scenario." A theoretical risk follows from what we know; a hypothetical risk is one we suppose for discussion.
Is it theoretical or theoretic?
Both forms exist, but theoretical is the standard choice in modern English. Theoretic survives mainly in older writing and in technical compounds such as "game-theoretic."
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