Main Entry:

the·o·ret·i·cal

Pronunciation:

\ˌthē-ə-ˈre-ti-kəl, ˌthir-ˈe-\

Variant(s):

also the·o·ret·ic \-tik\

Function:

adjective

Etymology:

Late Latin theoreticus, from Greek theōrētikos, from theōrein to look at

Date:

1601

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>