Definition of theoretical

< theorem

theoretician >

the·o·ret·i·cal    (th-rt-kl) KEY  also the·o·ret·ic  (-rtk) KEY 

ADJECTIVE:

1. Of, relating to, or based on theory.
2. Restricted to theory; not practical: theoretical physics.
3. Given to theorizing; speculative.

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ETYMOLOGY:
Late Latin therticus, from Greek thertikos, from thertos, observable, from therein, to look at ; see theorem

OTHER FORMS:
theo·reti·cal·ly(Adverb)

SYNONYMS:
theoretical, abstract, academic, hypothetical, speculative

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.