theoretical

adjective the·o·ret·i·cal \ˌthē-ə-ˈre-ti-kəl, ˌthir-ˈe-\

: relating to what is possible or imagined rather than to what is known to be true or real

: relating to the general principles or ideas of a subject rather than the practical uses of those ideas

Full Definition of THEORETICAL

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>

: given to or skilled in theorizing <a brilliant theoretical physicist>

: existing only in theory : hypothetical <gave as an example a theoretical situation>

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the·o·ret·i·cal also the·o·ret·ic \-tik\

Late Latin theoreticus, from Greek theōrētikos, from theōrein to look at

First Known Use: 1601

Synonyms: academic (also academical), conjectural, hypothetical, speculative, suppositional

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