theoretical
pronunciation
How to pronounce theoretical in British English:
UK [ˌθɪəˈretɪkl]
How to pronounce theoretical in American English:
US [ˌθiːəˈretɪkl]
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- Adjective:
- concerned primarily with theories or hypotheses rather than practical considerations
- concerned with theories rather than their practical applications
- based on specialized theory
Word Origin
- theoretical (adj.)
- 1610s, "contemplative," with -al (1) + Late Latin theoreticus "of or pertaining to theory," from Greek theoretikos "contemplative, speculative, pertaining to theory" (by Aristotle contrasted to praktikos), from theoretos "that may be seen or considered," from theorein "to consider, look at" (see theory). Meaning "pertaining to theory, making deductions from theory not from fact" (opposed to practical) is from 1650s; earlier in this sense was theorical (c. 1500). Meaning "ideal, hypothetical" is from 1790s (implied in theoretically). Related: theoretician.
Antonym
Example
- 1. It creates a theoretical accountability that could help punish perpetrators .
- 2. She will likely give you an answer that is mostly theoretical .
- 3. As you might guess , there are theoretical problems with this idea .
- 4. But look beyond past glories and theoretical future drugs to see the dangers .
- 5. Most propose theoretical solutions for the observation ; a few claim to find problems .