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theoretical - 4 dictionary results

the⋅o⋅ret⋅i⋅cal

[thee-uh-ret-i-kuhl]
–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


the⋅o⋅ret⋅i⋅cal⋅ly, adverb
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.

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).

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.

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