A2 noun Formal #575 most common

theoretical

/ˌθiːəˈretɪkl/

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 5
1

The 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.

2

The committee presented a theoretical solution to the urban traffic problem.

The committee presented a theoretical solution to the urban traffic problem.

3

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.

Word Family

Noun
theory
Verb
theorize
Adverb
theoretically
Adjective
theoretical
Related
theorist
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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

1

The plan is purely theoretical and has not been tested in a real kitchen.

everyday

The plan is purely theoretical and has not been tested in a real kitchen.

2

The committee presented a theoretical solution to the urban traffic problem.

formal

The committee presented a theoretical solution to the urban traffic problem.

3

In a theoretical world, I would have enough money to travel every day.

informal

In a theoretical world, I would have enough money to travel every day.

4

Students are required to study the theoretical foundations of modern economics.

academic

Students are required to study the theoretical foundations of modern economics.

5

The business proposal looks good, but the profit margins are still theoretical.

business

The business proposal looks good, but the profit margins are still theoretical.

Word Family

Noun
theory
Verb
theorize
Adverb
theoretically
Adjective
theoretical
Related
theorist

Common Collocations

theoretical framework theoretical framework
theoretical knowledge theoretical knowledge
purely theoretical purely theoretical
theoretical approach theoretical approach
theoretical model theoretical model

Common Phrases

in a theoretical sense

in a theoretical sense

highly theoretical

highly theoretical

theoretical possibility

theoretical possibility

Often Confused With

theoretical vs theatrical

Theatrical relates to the theater and acting, while theoretical relates to ideas and theories.

theoretical vs theory

Theory is the noun (the idea itself), while theoretical is the adjective (describing the idea).

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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

Used as an adjective before a noun (e.g., theoretical science). Often follows the verb 'to be' (e.g., The risk is theoretical).

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

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B2

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afforestation

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B2

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B2

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