Definition of theoretical adjective from the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. connected with the ideas and principles on which a particular subject is based, rather than with practice and experiment. The first year provides students with a sound theoretical basis for later study.
1. Of, relating to, or based on theory. 2. Restricted to theory; not practical or applied: theoretical physics. 3. Studying or working to develop theory.
Adjective theoretical (comparative more theoretical, superlative most theoretical) Of or relating to theory; abstract; not empirical. Antonym: practical
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 meaning: 1 : relating to what is possible or imagined rather than to what is known to be true or real; 2 : relating to the general principles or ideas of a subject rather than the practical uses of those ideas
A theoretical study or explanation is based on or uses the ideas and abstract principles that relate to a particular subject, rather than the practical aspects or uses of it.
