American English
/ˌθi.ɚˈɛ.ɾɪ.kl̩/
5 syllables · Stress the third syllable.
Based on ideas and principles rather than practical use or real experience.
“Theoretical” has two common pronunciations: /ˌθi.ɚˈɛ.ɾɪ.kl̩/ and /θi.əˈɹɛ.ɾɪ.kl̩/. You may hear the middle sounds joined more closely in natural speech.
Based on ideas and principles rather than practical use or real experience.
She has a strong theoretical knowledge of economics.
The course combines theoretical ideas with practical work.
theoretical knowledge · theoretical framework · theoretical approach
theoretical + noun
be + theoretical
Possible as an idea, but not known to happen in real life.
A theoretical risk is not always a real danger.
The plan is only a theoretical possibility at this point.
Theoretical often contrasts with practical or real.
theoretical possibility · theoretical risk · theoretical scenario
theoretical + noun
a theoretical possibility
According to the idea or plan, although reality may be different.
In theory, the new system should save time.