theoretical
Americanadjective
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of, relating to, or consisting in theory; not practical (applied ).
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existing only in theory; hypothetical.
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given to, forming, or dealing with theories; speculative.
adjective
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of or based on theory
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lacking practical application or actual existence; hypothetical
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using or dealing in theory; impractical
Other Word Forms
- antitheoretical adjective
- nontheoretic adjective
- nontheoretical adjective
- theoretically adverb
- untheoretic adjective
- untheoretical adjective
Etymology
Origin of theoretical
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
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Justice Amy Coney Barrett asked Sauer a mix of practical and theoretical questions that revealed the incoherence of his position.
From Slate • Apr. 1, 2026
More successfully, in the 19th century, George Boole—mathematician, logician, theoretical psychologist—“fundamentally changed our understanding of logic,” Mr. Griffiths tells us, by “showing how reason could be captured by a formal system.”
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 29, 2026
I don’t think theoretical value ought to outweigh public confidence under any circumstances.
From Barron's • Mar. 28, 2026
The results also support the development of theoretical models that can apply these insights to larger and more complex systems.
From Science Daily • Mar. 24, 2026
Though the theoretical basis for many of their conclusions was shaky, the take-home lesson was obvious.
From "Double Helix" by James D. Watson
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
