theoretical

adjective
UK: /ˌθɪəˈret.ɪ.kəl/
US: /ˌθiːəˈret.ɪ.kəl/

  1. Based on or relating to ideas and principles, rather than practical application or real experience.

    1. This is a theoretical problem.
    2. The discussion was very theoretical and did not address practical concerns.

  2. Concerning a theory or speculation.

    1. It is theoretical possibility.
    2. There is theoretical evidence, but more research is needed for confirmation.

  3. Hypothetical or speculative rather than concrete or demonstrated.

    1. The plan is still theoretical.
    2. Our understanding of dark matter remains largely theoretical at this point.

Synonyms

speculative conceptual abstract unproven hypothetical

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "theoretical" in English means: Based on or relating to ideas and principles, rather than practical application or real experience., Concerning a theory or speculation., Hypothetical or speculative rather than concrete or demonstrated..

The phonetic transcription of "theoretical" is /ˌθɪəˈret.ɪ.kəl/ in British English and /ˌθiːəˈret.ɪ.kəl/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "theoretical": speculative, conceptual, abstract, unproven, hypothetical.

Example usage of "theoretical": "This is a theoretical problem.". More examples on the page.