English Lexicon

Theoretical

/θiˈɔːr.ɪ.kəl/
adjectiveCEFR C1 (Advanced)Top #1500 frequency
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Comprehensive Definitions & Senses

2 senses
As adjective
  1. 1

    Concerned with or involving the theory of a subject or area of study rather than its practical application.

    "Theoretical physics explores concepts that may not yet have practical applications."
  2. 2

    Based on or calculated through theory rather than experience or practice.

    "The theoretical framework provided a basis for the research study."

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Antonyms & Contrasting Words (1)

Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology

The word 'theoretical' originates from the Greek word 'theoretikos', which means 'pertaining to theory'. It evolved through Latin 'theoreticus' before entering Middle English in the late 14th century, reflecting a shift from practical applications to abstract reasoning.

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10 Global Lexicons: How "Theoretical" is said worldwide

Click any language below to open its dedicated Language to English dictionary page with native script & transliteration

🇫🇷French → English

théorique

Transliteration: teh-or-eek

"La physique théorique explore des concepts qui peuvent ne pas avoir d'applications pratiques."

🇩🇪German → English

theoretisch

Transliteration: teh-oh-reh-tish

"Die theoretische Physik untersucht Konzepte, die möglicherweise noch keine praktischen Anwendungen haben."

🇮🇹Italian → English

teorico

Transliteration: teh-oh-ree-koh

"La fisica teorica esplora concetti che potrebbero non avere applicazioni pratiche."

🇪🇸Spanish → English

teórico

Transliteration: teh-oh-ree-koh

"La física teórica explora conceptos que pueden no tener aplicaciones prácticas."

🇵🇹Portuguese → English

teórico

Transliteration: teh-oh-ree-koh

"A física teórica explora conceitos que podem não ter aplicações práticas."

🇮🇳Hindi → English

सैद्धांतिक

Transliteration: saidhantik

"सैद्धांतिक भौतिकी ऐसे सिद्धांतों का अध्ययन करती है जिनका व्यावहारिक अनुप्रयोग नहीं हो सकता।"

🇨🇳Chinese → English

理论的

Transliteration: lǐlùn de

"理论物理学探讨可能没有实际应用的概念。"

🇰🇷Korean → English

이론적인

Transliteration: ironjeogin

"이론 물리학은 실용적인 응용이 없을 수 있는 개념을 탐구합니다."

🇯🇵Japanese → English

理論的な

Transliteration: rironteki na

"理論物理学は実用的な応用がないかもしれない概念を探求します。"

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