theoretical
/θiə'retik/ Cách viết khác : (theoretical) /θiə'retikəl/
Definition
- Adjective:
- Relating to or based on theory: Concerned with the abstract principles and analysis of a subject, rather than its practical application or real-world experience.
- Hypothetical or speculative: Existing only in theory; not proven or demonstrated in practice.
Usage
- General Use: Used to describe ideas, knowledge, or fields of study that are abstract and conceptual.
- Academic/Scientific Context: Commonly used in scientific, philosophical, and academic discussions to distinguish abstract reasoning from experimental or applied work.
Examples
- Adjective:
- His knowledge of the subject is purely theoretical; he has never worked in the field.
- We studied the theoretical foundations of quantum mechanics before moving to the lab.
- Her argument is sound from a theoretical perspective, but it may not work in practice.
Advanced Usage
- "Theoretical framework": A structure of concepts and assumptions used to understand or analyze a phenomenon.
- The research paper is built upon a complex theoretical framework derived from sociology.
- "Theoretical possibility": Something that is possible in principle or theory, regardless of practical likelihood.
- Time travel is a theoretical possibility according to some interpretations of physics.
Variants and Related Words
- Theoretically (adverb): In a way that relates to theory; in theory.
- Theoretically, the plan should work, but we need to test it.
- Theoretician (noun): A person who develops or studies the theoretical aspects of a subject.
- He is a leading theoretician in the field of linguistics.
Synonyms
- Abstract: Existing in thought or as an idea but not having a physical or concrete existence.
- Hypothetical: Based on a suggested idea or theory; supposed.
- Conceptual: Related to or based on mental concepts.
Antonyms
- Practical: Concerned with the actual doing or use of something rather than with theory and ideas.
- Applied: (Of a subject of study) put to practical use as opposed to being theoretical.
- Empirical: Based on, concerned with, or verifiable by observation or experience rather than theory or pure logic.
Related Phrases
- In theory: Used to say that something is supposed to be true or to happen according to a theory, but may not be true or happen in reality.
- In theory, the algorithm is efficient, but its real-world performance is unknown.
Adjective
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concerned with theories rather than their practical applications
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theoretical physics
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concerned primarily with theories or hypotheses rather than practical considerations
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theoretical science
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