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theoretical - 4 dictionary results

the⋅o⋅ret⋅i⋅cal

  [thee-uh-ret-i-kuhl]
Use theoretical in a Sentence
–adjective
1. of, pertaining to, or consisting in theory; not practical (distinguished from applied ).
2. existing only in theory; hypothetical.
3. given to, forming, or dealing with theories; speculative.
Also, the⋅o⋅ret⋅ic.

Origin:
1610–20; theoretic (< LL theōrēticus < Gk theōrētikós, equiv. to theōrēt(ós) to be seen (verbid of theōreîn to view) + -ikos -ic ) + -al 1

Related forms:
the⋅o⋅ret⋅i⋅cal⋅ly, adverb
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
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the·o·ret·i·cal   (thē'ə-rět'ĭ-kəl)   
adj.  
  1. Of, relating to, or based on theory.
  2. Restricted to theory; not practical: theoretical physics.
  3. Given to theorizing; speculative.

[Late Latin theōrēticus, from Greek theōrētikos, from theōrētos, observable, from theōrein, to look at; see theorem.]
the'o·ret'i·cal·ly adv.
Synonyms: These adjectives mean concerned primarily with theories or hypotheses rather than practical considerations: theoretical linguistics; abstract reasoning; a purely academic discussion; a hypothetical statement; speculative knowledge.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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theoretical 
1616, from L.L. theoreticus "of or pertaining to theory" (c.397), from Gk. theoretikos "contemplative, pertaining to theory" (by Aristotle contrasted to praktikos), from theoretos "that may be seen or considered," from theorein "to consider, look at" (see theory).
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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theoretical the·o·ret·i·cal (thē'ə-rět'ĭ-kəl)
adj.

  1. Of, relating to, or based on theory.
  2. Restricted to theory; not practical.

The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
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