theoretical

[ thee-uh-ret-i-kuh l ]
/ ˌθi əˈrɛt ɪ kəl /

adjective

of, relating to, or consisting in theory; not practical (distinguished from applied).
existing only in theory; hypothetical.
given to, forming, or dealing with theories; speculative.
Often the·o·ret·ic.

Origin of theoretical

1610–20; theoretic (< Late Latin theōrēticus < Greek theōrētikós, equivalent to theōrēt(ós) to be seen (verbid of theōreîn to view) + -ikos -ic) + -al1

OTHER WORDS FROM theoretical

Example sentences from the Web for theoretical

British Dictionary definitions for theoretical

theoretical

theoretic (ˌθɪəˈrɛtɪk)

/ (ˌθɪəˈrɛtɪkəl) /

adjective

of or based on theory
lacking practical application or actual existence; hypothetical
using or dealing in theory; impractical

Derived forms of theoretical

theoretically, adverb

Medical definitions for theoretical

theoretical
[ thē′ə-rĕtĭ-kəl ]

adj.

Of, relating to, or based on theory.
Restricted to theory; not practical.