Dictionary
theoretical
adjective the·o·ret·i·cal \ˌthē-ə-ˈre-ti-kəl, ˌthir-ˈe-\
: relating to what is possible or imagined rather than to what is known to be true or real
: relating to the general principles or ideas of a subject rather than the practical uses of those ideas
Full Definition of THEORETICAL
1
a : relating to or having the character of theory : abstract b : confined to theory or speculation often in contrast to practical applications : speculative <theoretical physics>
2
: given to or skilled in theorizing <a brilliant theoretical physicist>
3
: existing only in theory : hypothetical <gave as an example a theoretical situation>
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Variants of THEORETICAL
the·o·ret·i·cal also the·o·ret·ic \-tik\
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Origin of THEORETICAL
Late Latin theoreticus, from Greek theōrētikos, from theōrein to look at
First Known Use: 1601
Related to THEORETICAL
- Synonyms
- academic (also academical), conjectural, hypothetical, speculative, suppositional
Rhymes with THEORETICAL
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