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Definition of theoretical adjective from the Oxford Advanced American Dictionary

      

    theoretical

     adjective
    adjective
    NAmE//ˌθiəˈrɛt̮ɪkl//
     
    [usually before noun]
     
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  1. 1concerned 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 AWL Collocationstheorytheory noun
    • develop, formulate
    • advance, expound, propound
    • disprove, refute
    • support
    • test
    In this study, the empirical data do not support current theories. New facts and observations test established theories.
    • hypothesize, posit, postulate, predict, suggest
    The theory posits that some character types are better prepared for the challenges of being president. The results of our experiment aligned very closely with that predicted by theory.
    • economic, literary, political, scientific, social
    In economic theory, when there is more competition prices are lower.
    • based on
    Based on the theory developed in this paper, it is predicted that..theoretical adjective
    • highly
    • largely
    • merely, purely
    Although some purely theoretical work has been done, there is a need for empirical research.
    • concept, construct, framework, model
    • approach, perspective
    • prediction
    • study
    The next section outlines the theoretical framework and reviews the prior literature.theoretically adverb
    • defensible, informed, sound
    • unsound
    These scientific hypotheses have to be logically and theoretically defensible.
  2. 2that could possibly exist, happen, or be true, although this is unlikely It's a theoretical possibility.
 theoretically
 
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NAmE//ˌθiəˈrɛt̮ɪkli//
 
adverb theoretically sound conclusions It is theoretically possible for him to overrule their decision, but highly unlikely.See theoretical in the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary
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