theoretical
Based on ideas or principles rather than practical experience or real-life facts. It describes a situation or concept that is possible in the mind but has not been proven or done yet.
Examples
3 of 5The plan is purely theoretical and has not been tested in a real kitchen.
The plan is purely theoretical and has not been tested in a real kitchen.
The committee presented a theoretical solution to the urban traffic problem.
The committee presented a theoretical solution to the urban traffic problem.
In a theoretical world, I would have enough money to travel every day.
In a theoretical world, I would have enough money to travel every day.
Synonyms
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of the 'the' and 'real'. Is it 'the real' thing? No, it is 'Theo-retical' (The-O-Real), it's just an idea, not real yet.
Quick Quiz
The teacher explained that the experiment was only _______ because we didn't have the tools to do it.
Correct!
The correct answer is: theoretical
Examples
The plan is purely theoretical and has not been tested in a real kitchen.
everydayThe plan is purely theoretical and has not been tested in a real kitchen.
The committee presented a theoretical solution to the urban traffic problem.
formalThe committee presented a theoretical solution to the urban traffic problem.
In a theoretical world, I would have enough money to travel every day.
informalIn a theoretical world, I would have enough money to travel every day.
Students are required to study the theoretical foundations of modern economics.
academicStudents are required to study the theoretical foundations of modern economics.
The business proposal looks good, but the profit margins are still theoretical.
businessThe business proposal looks good, but the profit margins are still theoretical.
Synonyms
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
in a theoretical sense
in a theoretical sense
highly theoretical
highly theoretical
theoretical possibility
theoretical possibility
Often Confused With
Theatrical relates to the theater and acting, while theoretical relates to ideas and theories.
Theory is the noun (the idea itself), while theoretical is the adjective (describing the idea).
Usage Notes
Use this word to describe ideas that are not yet applied to reality. It often contrasts with 'practical' or 'applied' knowledge.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes use 'theoric' (which is rare/obsolete) instead of 'theoretical'. Also, avoid confusing it with 'theatrical' which sounds similar.
Memory Tip
Think of the 'the' and 'real'. Is it 'the real' thing? No, it is 'Theo-retical' (The-O-Real), it's just an idea, not real yet.
Word Origin
Derived from the Greek word 'theoretikos', which means 'contemplative' or 'looking at'.
Grammar Patterns
Quick Quiz
The teacher explained that the experiment was only _______ because we didn't have the tools to do it.
Correct!
The correct answer is: theoretical
Related Grammar Rules
Related Phrases
Related Vocabulary
A general idea or thought about something. It is used to des...
assumptionAn assumption is a belief or proposition that is accepted as...
principleA principle is a fundamental truth, law, or rule that serves...
logicLogic is the systematic study of valid inference and the pri...
hypothesisA proposed explanation made on the basis of limited evidence...
analysisAn analysis is a careful study of something to understand it...
Related Words
toxin
B2A toxin is a poisonous substance produced within living cells or organisms, such as bacteria, plants, or animals. It is capable of causing disease or health issues when it enters body tissues through ingestion, inhalation, or absorption.
pesticide
B2A chemical substance used to kill or control pests that are harmful to crops, livestock, or humans. It is an umbrella term that includes insecticides, herbicides, and fungicides used widely in agriculture and gardening.
fertilizer
B2A chemical or natural substance added to soil or land to increase its fertility and provide essential nutrients for plant growth. It is primarily used in gardening and agriculture to help crops develop faster and produce higher yields.
irrigation
B2To supply land or crops with water through man-made systems such as pipes, ditches, or sprinklers. It is an essential agricultural process used to assist in the growth of plants, especially in areas with low rainfall.
flood
B2Describing something relating to a large amount of water covering an area that is usually dry, or metaphorically, being overwhelmed by an excessive quantity of something. In common usage, the form 'flooded' is typically used as the adjective to describe this state.
erosion
B2Erosion is the process by which the surface of the earth is worn away by natural forces such as water, wind, or ice. In a figurative sense, it refers to the gradual destruction or reduction of something abstract, such as power, rights, or confidence.
desertification
B2The process by which fertile land becomes desert, typically as a result of drought, deforestation, or inappropriate agriculture. It represents a significant environmental challenge where land loses its biological productivity and ability to support human life.
afforestation
B2Afforestation is the process of establishing a forest on land that has not recently been covered by trees. It involves planting seeds or saplings to create new wooded areas, often to improve the environment or for commercial timber.
endangered
B2To put someone or something at risk or in a situation where they could be harmed, damaged, or destroyed. In environmental contexts, it specifically refers to species that are at high risk of becoming extinct in the near future.
extinction
B2Extinction is the state or process of a species, family, or larger group being or becoming extinct, meaning it no longer has any living members. It can also refer to the act of making something, such as a fire, a feeling, or a practice, cease to exist.
Comments (0)
Login to CommentStart learning languages for free
Start Learning Free