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theoretical

 - 3 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.
Cite This Source Link To 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: 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.
Cite This Source
Medical Dictionary

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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