theoretical
/θɪəˈrɛtɪk(ə)l
/adjective
1Concerned with or involving the theory of a subject or area of study rather than its practical application: a theoretical physicist the training is practical rather than theoretical...
- This point is most clear in the area of theoretical science, though it has much broader application.
- HNDs are much more vocational than degrees and can often be more practical rather than theoretical.
- However he was also very active in applications of mathematics to theoretical physics.
Synonyms
not practical, conceptual, abstract, pure
1.1Based on or calculated through theory rather than experience or practice: the theoretical value of their work...
- The session included experience-based, theoretical, and practical aspects.
- Now the lost work is regarded as a masterpiece with a theoretical value of £300,000.
- This is, of course, a theoretical calculation, but one which graphically illustrates the point.
Synonyms
hypothetical, conjectural, academic, suppositional, speculative, notional, postulatory, conjectured, imagined, assumed, presumed, untested, unproven, unsubstantiated
rare suppositious, suppositive, ideational
