theoretical

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

adjective

of, pertaining to, or consisting in theory; not practical (distinguished from applied).

existing only in theory; hypothetical.

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

Also, theoretic.

Origin

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

Related forms

theoretically, adverb

antitheoretical, adjective

antitheoretically, adverb

nontheoretic, adjective

nontheoretical, adjective

nontheoretically, adverb

untheoretic, adjective

untheoretical, adjective

untheoretically, adverb

Examples from the web for theoretical

Those theoretical days were long past by the time explorers and settlers crossed the desert.
Don't accept theoretical replacement parts: ask the dealer if they keep them in stock.
His plans called for a punch-card system that would command the functions of the still-theoretical machine.
How rarely one can come to a theoretical agreement with anyone else on a fundamental principle.
So much for the theoretical distinction between the three tendencies.
Some sort of far-fetched theoretical notion that pathological material may be removed through the intestines.
For he had no theoretical objection to corporal punishment.
The measure of vis viva in theoretical mechanics is half the product of the weight into the square of the velocity.
theoretical walker struts its energy-efficient stuff.
The new results lend further theoretical support to such observations.

British Dictionary definitions for theoretical

theoretical

/ˌθɪəˈrɛtɪkəl/

adjective

of or based on theory

lacking practical application or actual existence; hypothetical

using or dealing in theory; impractical

Derived Forms

theoretically, adverb

Word Origin and History for theoretical

adj.

1610s, from Late Latin theoreticus "of or pertaining to theory," from Greek theoretikos "contemplative, pertaining to theory" (by Aristotle contrasted to praktikos), from theoretos "that may be seen or considered," from theorein "to consider, look at" (see theory). Related: Theoretically.

theoretical in Medicine

theoretical the·o·ret·i·cal (thē'ə-rět'ĭ-kəl)
adj.

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