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Definition of theoretical adjective from the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

theoretical

adjective
 OPAL WOPAL S
 
/ˌθɪəˈretɪkl/
 
/ˌθiːəˈretɪkl/
[usually before noun]
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  1.  
    connected with the ideas and principles on which a particular subject is based, rather than with practice and experiment
    • a theoretical approach
    • theoretical physics
    • The first year provides students with a sound theoretical basis for later study.
    opposite experimental, practical
    Extra Examples
    • Early analyses of evolution on the planet were highly theoretical.
    • Most experiments take place within a theoretical framework.
    • Theoretical knowledge forms the basis of most of our teaching.
    • This study is by no means purely theoretical.
    • We aim to provide you with both theoretical and practical knowledge of your subject.
    Topics Scientific researchc1
    Oxford Collocations Dictionaryverbs
    • be
    • remain
    adverb
    • highly
    • merely
    • purely
    • …
    See full entry
  2.  
    that could possibly exist, happen or be true, although this is unlikely
    • It's a theoretical possibility.
    Oxford Collocations Dictionaryverbs
    • be
    • remain
    adverb
    • highly
    • merely
    • purely
    • …
    See full entry
See theoretical in the Oxford Advanced American DictionarySee theoretical in the Oxford Learner's Dictionary of Academic English
Check pronunciation: theoretical

Nearby words

pepper
noun
 
 
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