American English
/ˌθi.ɚˈɛ.ɾɪ.kli/
5 syllables · Stress the third syllable.
According to a theory, an idea, or a calculation, rather than according to actual experience.
The usual pronunciation is /ˌθi.ɚˈɛ.ɾɪ.kli/. You may also hear /ˌθi.ɚˈɛ.ɾɪ.kə.li/, with an extra short syllable near the end.
According to a theory, an idea, or a calculation, rather than according to actual experience.
Theoretically, the machine should run for ten hours.
The answer is theoretically correct, but it does not work in practice.
theoretically correct · theoretically sound
Theoretically, + subject + should + verb
subject + is + theoretically + adjective
Used to say that something is possible in principle, even if it is not practical or likely.
We could theoretically finish today, but we need more staff.
Theoretically, you can cancel the booking at any time.
theoretically possible · theoretically feasible
subject + could + theoretically + verb
Theoretically, + subject + could + verb
According to ideas or calculations, but not necessarily in real life.
In theory, the new system should save money.
Possible as a basic idea, even if the details may be difficult.
In principle, the plan could work.
As shown by a plan or calculation, before real-life results are known.
The project looks excellent on paper.