Meaning & use
theoretical
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Meanings
adjectivenot comparable
Based on ideas and principles rather than practical experience or real situations.
Grammar: Not usually used in the comparative or superlative; you say 'more theoretical' rather than 'theoreticaler'.
Patterns
- theoretical knowledge
- theoretical framework
- purely theoretical
The course provides a theoretical foundation in economics before students apply it in real markets.
His knowledge of the subject is purely theoretical; he has never worked in the field.
Theoretical physics often involves complex mathematical models that have not yet been tested.
adjectivenot comparable
Existing only as an idea or possibility, not in reality.
Grammar: Used to talk about situations that are imagined or not yet real.
Patterns
- theoretical possibility
- theoretical risk
- theoretical situation
In a theoretical situation where everyone cooperates, the problem would disappear.
There is a theoretical risk that the experiment could fail, but it's very unlikely.
The idea is only theoretical at this stage; we haven't built a prototype.
Common combinations
- theoretical framework
- The study is based on a theoretical framework developed by sociologists.
- theoretical knowledge
- She has excellent theoretical knowledge but little practical experience.
- purely theoretical
- The discussion was purely theoretical and had no immediate application.
- theoretical physics
- He is a professor of theoretical physics at a major university.
- theoretical possibility
- There is a theoretical possibility that the virus could mutate.
Synonyms and how they differ
- hypothetical
- Used for situations that are imagined as a basis for reasoning; theoretical can also mean abstract knowledge, while hypothetical is always about a supposed case.
- abstract
- Focuses on ideas rather than concrete things; theoretical often implies a contrast with practical application.
- conceptual
- Relates to concepts or mental models; theoretical is broader and can include principles and speculation.
Opposites
Word family
- theory noun
- A system of ideas intended to explain something.
- theoretically adverb
- In a way that relates to theory rather than practice.
- theorist noun
- A person who develops or studies theories.
Commonly confused: theoretical or therapeutic?
theoretical vs therapeutic
Therapeutic means healing or relaxing, while theoretical means relating to ideas or theory. They are sometimes confused because they sound similar.
Practice
The plan is still ______; we haven't tested it in the real world yet.
Choose one answer.
The adjective 'theoretical' describes the plan as existing only in theory. 'Theoretically' is an adverb, 'theory' is a noun, and 'theorist' is a person, so none fit the adjective position after 'is still'.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “theoretical”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.