theoretical

From Middle English theorothycall, probably from Latin theōrēticus + -al, from Ancient Greek θεωρητικός (theōrētikós).

• (UK) IPA^(key): /ˌθɪəˈɹɛtɪkəl/, [ˌθɪə̯ˈɹɛt.ɪ.kl̩]
• (US) IPA^(key): /ˌθi.əˈɹɛt.ɪ.kəl/, [ˌθi.əˈɹɛɾ.ɪ.kl̩]

  • Audio (US):

    (file)

• (General Australian) IPA^(key): /ˌθiːˈɹet.ɪ.kəl/, [ˌθiːˈɹet.ɪ.kl̩]

theoretical (comparative more theoretical, superlative most theoretical)

1. Of or relating to theory; abstract; not empirical.

   Antonym: practical

   • 1907, Aerodynamics, constituting the first volume of a complete work on aerial flight, page 163:

     We may look upon this figure as representing in section a theoretical wing-form, or aerofoil

   • 2025 May 12, Jeff Edwards, “Rods from God: Unleashing Orbital Kinetic Bombardment as a Theoretical Defense System”, in Mira Safety‎^[1]:

     Which makes the concept known as Rods From God the ultimate form of kinetic weaponry. This theoretical weapon would drop telephone pole sized rods of dense tungsten from a satellite in orbit.