理論的な定義と意味 | Dictionary.com

THEORETICAL Definition & Meaning | Dictionary.com Synonyms theoretical American [thee- uh - ret -i-k uh l] / ˌθi əˈrɛt ɪ kəl / Often theoretic adjective of, relating to, or consisting in theory ; not practical (distinguished from applied ). existing only in theory; hypothetical . given to, forming, or dealing with theories; speculative . theoretical British / ˌθɪəˈrɛtɪkəl, ˌθɪəˈrɛtɪk / adjective of or based on theory lacking practical application or actual existence; hypothetical using or dealing in theory; impractical "Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012 Other Word Forms antitheoretical adjective nontheoretic adjective nontheoretical adjective theoretically adverb untheoretic adjective untheoretical adjective Etymology Origin of theoretical First recorded in 1610–20; theoretic, from Late Latin theōrēticus, from Greek theōrētikós, equivalent to theōrēt(ós) “to be seen” (verbal adjective derived from theōreîn “to view”) + -ikos -ic ; see -al 1 Compare meaning How does theoretical compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons: empirical vs. theoretical actual vs. theoretical Explanation Something theoretical is concerned with theories and hypotheses — it's not necessarily based on real life or meant to be applied to real life. Theoretical things are based on theory and ideas, while practical ones are based on practice. Theoretical thinking can be really helpful when you're trying to imagine something or problem-solve, but your theories should always be tested out in the practical world. As philosopher Bertrand Russell said, “The theoretical understanding of the world, which is the aim of philosophy, is not a matter of great practical importance to animals, or to savages, or even to most civilized men.” Keep Reading on Vocabulary.com Vocabulary lists containing theoretical Albert Einstein Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide! Unit 2: Pivotal Words and Phrases Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use! Unit 2: Pivotal Words and Phrases Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time! Example Sentences Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com. Merz, a staff scientist at Cleveland Clinic, leads a lab dedicated to building computational tools that apply theoretical math to biological research. From Barron's • May 5, 2026 The threat of quakes causing landslides in lake areas isn’t just theoretical. From Los Angeles Times • May 4, 2026 Hegseth and Trump were frustrated by his lack of progress in implementing shipbuilding reforms to create Trump’s so-called “Golden Fleet,” led by the theoretical new “Trump-class” battleships. From Salon • May 1, 2026 You are trading those theoretical paper returns — had your money been invested in the stock market — for peace of mind and security. From MarketWatch • Apr. 30, 2026 Soon afterwards, however, the suspicion that the regularities were important clicked inside his head as the result of several conversations with the young theoretical chemist John Griffith. From "Double Helix" by James D. Watson Related Words abstract academic analytical imaginative intellectual logical metaphysical philosophical speculative vague Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023 Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.