Search results
- DictionaryThe·o·ret·i·cal/ˌTHēəˈredək(ə)l/
adjective
- 1. concerned with or involving the theory of a subject or area of study rather than its practical application: "a theoretical physicist"
1. : existing only in theory : hypothetical. gave as an example a theoretical situation. 2. 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. 3. : given to or skilled in theorizing. a brilliant theoretical physicist.
THEORETICAL definition: 1. based on the ideas that relate to a subject, not the practical uses of that subject: 2. related…. Learn more.
Theoretical definition: of, relating to, or consisting in theory; not practical (distinguished from applied).. See examples of THEORETICAL used in a sentence.
Something theoretical is concerned with theories and hypotheses — it's not necessarily based on real life or meant to be applied to real life. Theoretical things are based on theory and ideas, while practical ones are based on practice.
[usually before noun] connected with the ideas and principles on which a particular subject is based, rather than with practice and experiment. a theoretical approach. theoretical physics. The first year provides students with a sound theoretical basis for later study. opposite experimental, practical. Extra Examples. Topics Scientific research c1.
A theoretical study or explanation is based on or uses the ideas and abstract principles that relate to a particular subject, rather than the practical aspects or uses of it.
THEORETICAL definition: 1. based on the ideas that relate to a subject, not the practical uses of that subject: 2. related…. Learn more.
THEORETICAL meaning: 1 : relating to what is possible or imagined rather than to what is known to be true or real; 2 : relating to the general principles or ideas of a subject rather than the practical uses of those ideas.
a. : a belief, policy, or procedure proposed or followed as the basis of action. her method is based on the theory that all children want to learn. b. : an ideal or hypothetical set of facts, principles, or circumstances often used in the phrase in theory. in theory, we have always advocated freedom for all. 3. a.
There are eight meanings listed in OED's entry for the word theoretical. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.
