theo ‧ ret ‧ i ‧ cal W3 AC /θɪəˈretɪk ə l $ ˌθiːə-/ BrE AmE ( also theo‧ret‧ic /θɪəˈretɪk $ ˌθiːə-/) adjective
[ Word Family: noun : ↑ theorist , ↑ theory , ↑ theorem , theoretician; verb : ↑ theorize ; adverb : ↑ theoretically ; adjective : ↑ theoretical ]
1 . relating to the study of ideas, especially scientific ideas, rather than with practical uses of the ideas or practical experience ⇨ theory , practical , applied :
theoretical physics
Aristotle’s theoretical model of the universe
She has theoretical knowledge of teaching, but no practical experience.
2 . a theoretical situation or condition could exist but does not really exist SYN hypothetical :
Equality between men and women in our society is still only theoretical.
a theoretical risk of an explosion