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>