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theoretical

/ˌθiːəˈretɪkəl/
IELTSAcademic
adjective

Concerned with ideas and principles rather than practical application; abstract.

  • The course focuses on theoretical concepts, not practical skills.
  • She proposed a theoretical solution to the problem.

Adinary Nuance

It is more intellectual and less hands-on than practical. Unlike concrete or applied, it describes ideas you explore, not do. Writers choose it when focusing on concepts rather than real-world use.

In other languages

Spanish
Teórico
Japanese
理論的
Korean
이론적
Vietnamese
Lý thuyết
Chinese
理论上的

Etymology

From Latin Theoreticus, from Greek Theōretikos, meaning ‘contemplative’. The origin reminds us it is about contemplation, not action.

Common phrases

theoretical basistheoretical modeltheoretical framework

Synonyms

abstracthypotheticalspeculativeconceptualacademic

Related words

conceptabstracthypothesisideaassumption

Frequently asked questions

Is 'theoretical' formal or informal?
Is 'theoretical' formal or informal?
How is 'theoretical' different from 'practical'?
How is 'theoretical' different from 'practical'?
Can 'theoretical' be used in academic writing?
Can 'theoretical' be used in academic writing?
Is 'theoretical' a common word in exams?
Is 'theoretical' a common word in exams?