B2adjectiveformalacademicscience
US/ˌθiː.əˈret.ɪ.kəl/
UK/ˌθiː.əˈret.ɪ.kəl/
based on ideas and theories rather than practice or experience
In context
The course is too theoretical and has few practical lessons.
In theory it works, but the risk is not just theoretical.
Her thesis builds a theoretical framework for studying online learning.
Words that go with theoretical
adjective + noun
- theoretical frameworkChapter two presents the theoretical framework.
- theoretical knowledgeTheoretical knowledge is not enough to be a good nurse.
- theoretical physicsHe studied theoretical physics at Cambridge.
- theoretical modelThey tested the theoretical model with real data.
adverb + adjective
- purely theoreticalThe question is purely theoretical.