the·o·ret·i·cal also the·o·ret·ic 
/ˌθi:jəˈrɛtɪkəl/ /ˌθi:jəˈrɛtɪk/ adjective
/ˌθi:jəˈrɛtɪkəl/ /ˌθi:jəˈrɛtɪk/ adjective 1 : relating to what is possible or imagined rather than to what is known to be true or real
▪ On a theoretical level, hiring more people seems logical. ▪ The idea is purely theoretical at this point. ▪ a theoretical argument ▪ The teacher gave us a theoretical [=hypothetical] situation as an example. ▪ The danger is more than just a theoretical possibility. ▪ I was speaking in theoretical terms. [=theoretically] 2 : relating to the general principles or ideas of a subject rather than the practical uses of those ideas
▪ theoretical physics
▪ On a theoretical level, hiring more people seems logical. ▪ The idea is purely theoretical at this point. ▪ a theoretical argument ▪ The teacher gave us a theoretical [=hypothetical] situation as an example. ▪ The danger is more than just a theoretical possibility. ▪ I was speaking in theoretical terms. [=theoretically]
▪ theoretical physics
— the·o·ret·i·cal·ly /ˌθi:jəˈrɛtɪkli/ adverb
▪ Theoretically, the value of the funds could triple in the next few months. ▪ It is theoretically possible but unlikely to happen. ▪ He argued theoretically.
/ˌθi:jəˈrɛtɪkli/ adverb ▪ Theoretically, the value of the funds could triple in the next few months. ▪ It is theoretically possible but unlikely to happen. ▪ He argued theoretically.
