theoretical

the·o·ret·i·cal

adjective \ˌthē-ə-ˈre-ti-kəl, ˌthir-ˈe-\

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>

Variants of THEORETICAL

the·o·ret·i·cal also the·o·ret·ic \-tik\

Examples of THEORETICAL

1. On a theoretical level, hiring more people seems logical.
2. The idea is purely theoretical at this point.
3. The danger is more than just a theoretical possibility.

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

Antonyms

actual, factual, real

Related Words

alleged, assumed, presumed, presupposed, proposed, supposed, unproved, unproven, untested; debatable, moot; abstract, conceptual, intellectual, metaphysical; nonclinical, nonpractical; nonempirical

Near Antonyms

clinical, practical; concrete, defined, definite, distinct; attested, authenticated, confirmed, demonstrated, established, proven, substantiated, tested, time-tested, validated, verified; empirical (also empiric), nonspeculative, nontheoretical, observational

Rhymes with THEORETICAL

antithetical, catechetical, exegetical, hypothetical, parenthetical