Theoretical: meaning, definitions and examples
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theoretical
[ ˌθiː.əˈret.ɪ.kəl ]
in academic discussions
existing only in theory and not in practice; hypothetical
Synonyms
abstract, conceptual, hypothetical.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
theoretical |
Used when discussing ideas or principles that are based on theory rather than on practical application or physical evidence.
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hypothetical |
Used when discussing situations, conditions, or statements that are imagined for the sake of argument or exploration, often without evidence.
|
abstract |
Often relates to ideas that are complex and not easily understood because they are detached from concrete realities.
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conceptual |
Employed when referring to ideas or concepts that are more about mental understanding and frameworks rather than physical existence.
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Examples of usage
- Theoretical physics deals with the laws of nature at the most fundamental level.
- His ideas were purely theoretical and had no practical application.
related to a particular theory
based on or calculated through theory rather than experience or practice
Synonyms
hypothetical, speculative, theoretic.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
theoretical |
Used when discussing concepts based on abstract or general principles rather than practical applications.
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speculative |
Best used when referring to ideas or guesses that are formed without firm evidence, often implying a higher degree of uncertainty.
|
hypothetical |
Appropriate in situations where discussing situations or conditions that are not real but imagined for the sake of argument or investigation.
|
theoretic |
An alternative to 'theoretical' but less commonly used; it is mainly found in academic or formal discussions about abstract ideas.
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Examples of usage
- The theoretical value of the stock price was higher than its actual market value.
- The experiment confirmed the theoretical predictions made by the researchers.
Translations
Translations of the word "theoretical" in other languages:
🇵🇹 teórico
🇮🇳 सैद्धांतिक
🇩🇪 theoretisch
🇮🇩 teoretis
🇺🇦 теоретичний
🇵🇱 teoretyczny
🇯🇵 理論的 (りろんてき)
🇫🇷 théorique
🇪🇸 teórico
🇹🇷 teorik
🇰🇷 이론적인
🇸🇦 نظري
🇨🇿 teoretický
🇸🇰 teoretický
🇨🇳 理论的 (lǐlùn de)
🇸🇮 teoretičen
🇮🇸 fræðilegur
🇰🇿 теориялық
🇬🇪 თეორიული
🇦🇿 nəzəri
🇲🇽 teórico
Etymology
The word 'theoretical' originated from the Greek word 'theōrētikós', meaning 'relating to the contemplation or study of something'. It entered the English language in the 17th century, primarily used in the context of philosophy and science. Over time, 'theoretical' has come to represent ideas or concepts that are based on theory rather than practical experience.
Word Frequency Rank
At position #2,355, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.
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- 2352 arise
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- 2354 constitution
- 2355 theoretical
- 2356 repair
- 2357 taste
- 2358 separation
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