| ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷|red.]ə̇kəl, -et], ]ēk- adjective
also the·o·ret·ic ]ik, ]ēk\
Etymology: Late Latin theoreticus, from Greek theōrētikos, from theōrētos (verbal of theōrein to look at, behold, contemplate, consider) + -ikos -ic, -ical — more at theorem
1.
a. : of, relating to, or having the character of theory — compare applied , practical
b. : depending on or confined to theory : terminating in theory or speculation : speculative
theoretical learning
theoretical mechanics
— compare descriptive
2. : addicted to speculative thought : given to theorizing ; also : having the ability to theorize
3. : of or relating to abstract knowledge as contrasted with practical knowledge (as moral intuitions or religious beliefs) : contemplative, intellectual — compare practical reason
4. : existing only in theory : hypothetical , fictitious