theoretical

Often the·o·ret·ic

[thee-uh-ret-i-kuhl]

adjective

1. of, relating to, or consisting in theory; not practical (applied ).

2. existing only in theory; hypothetical.

3. given to, forming, or dealing with theories; speculative.

theoretical

/ ˌθɪəˈrɛtɪkəl, ˌθɪəˈrɛtɪk /

adjective

1. of or based on theory

2. lacking practical application or actual existence; hypothetical

3. using or dealing in theory; impractical

Other Word Forms

• theoretically adverb
• antitheoretical adjective
• nontheoretic adjective
• nontheoretical adjective
• untheoretic adjective
• untheoretical adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of theoretical¹

First recorded in 1610–20; theoretic, from Late Latin theōrēticus, from Greek theōrētikós, equivalent to theōrēt(ós) “to be seen” (verbal adjective derived from theōreîn “to view”) + -ikos -ic; -al ¹

Example Sentences

One theoretical argument is that a different vaccine approach – such as using the whole virus – would give better protection, as the immune system would have more to target.

From BBC

“These threats are no longer theoretical,” Children’s Hospital executives wrote to staff in an internal email announcing the closure June 12.

From Los Angeles Times

“These threats are no longer theoretical,” Children’s Hospital L.A. executives wrote in a June email to staff.

From Los Angeles Times

According to Hansons, Turing's PhD dissertation and On Computable Numbers are both hailed as foundational works in the field of theoretical computer science.

From BBC

The famous theoretical physicist Stephen Hawking, who died in 2016 at age 76, is an example of someone who survived for 55 years with the disease after being diagnosed at age 21.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• abstract 
• academic 
• analytical 
• imaginative 
• intellectual 
• logical 
• metaphysical 
• philosophical 
• speculative 
• vague