theoretical
gb/θˌiɚˈɛtɪkəl/ us/θˌiɚˈɛtɪkəl/
B2
Inglés
~ 2700
Acepciones
0 acepciones
adjective
B2
property
1
concerned with ideas, not practice
About ideas and rules, not about doing something in real life.
Patrón de uso:
[something] is theoretical
Error frecuente:
Learners sometimes confuse 'theoretical' with 'hypothetical'. 'Theoretical' means based on theory; 'hypothetical' means imagined for discussion.
Sinónimos
abstract (Focuses on being removed from concrete reality; slightly more formal.)
|
conceptual (Emphasizes dealing with concepts rather than specifics.)
Antónimos
practical (Focuses on real-world use or action rather than abstract ideas.)
|
applied (Specifically refers to putting theories into practice.)
Colocaciones
theoretical model
|theoretical framework
|theoretical basis
|purely theoretical
|theoretical approach
Temas
science
|education
|philosophy
|core_vocabulary
Ejemplos
- The course covers both theoretical and practical aspects of physics.
- Her research is mainly theoretical, focusing on mathematical models.
- That’s just a theoretical possibility at this point.
- He explained the theoretical principles behind the technology.
- The paper outlines a new theoretical framework for understanding behavior.
Ejemplos para estudiantes
- This is a theoretical idea, not a plan.
- We studied the theoretical rules of grammar.
- The design is only theoretical right now.
- He talks about the theoretical side of art.
- I read about the theoretical model in class.
adjective
B2
property
2
existing only in theory
Something that exists only as an idea and is not proven or real yet.
Patrón de uso:
[something] is theoretical
Error frecuente:
Learners may overuse 'theoretical' when 'imaginary' or 'fictional' would be more accurate in creative contexts.
Sinónimos
hypothetical (Often used for imagined situations; overlaps but more about speculation.)
Antónimos
actual (Refers to something that exists or happens in reality.)
Colocaciones
theoretical limit
|theoretical maximum
|purely theoretical
Temas
science
|discussion
|education
|core_vocabulary
Ejemplos
- The risk is purely theoretical at this stage.
- There’s a theoretical maximum speed for this engine.
- It’s a theoretical concept that hasn’t been tested yet.
- The danger is more theoretical than real.
- The benefit is still only theoretical without further trials.
Ejemplos para estudiantes
- The danger is only theoretical.
- This is a theoretical problem, not a real one.
- That result is still theoretical until tested.
- The chance is purely theoretical.
- We talked about a theoretical case in class.
Gramática
Forma de diccionario
theoretical
AFI
GB/θˌiɚˈɛtɪkəl/
US/θˌiɚˈɛtɪkəl/
Sílabas y acento
the - or - et - ic - al (5 sílabas)
Stress on 2nd syllable (or)
Formas de la palabra
Adjective
- Base: theoretical
Familia de palabras
Core family
theory
noun B2
theoretically
adverb B2
Negative and opposite forms
practical
adjective A2
Advanced or less common
theoretician
noun
Expresiones
purely theoretical
1/pjˈʊɹli θˌiɚˈɛtɪkəl/
fixed phrase
only based on theory
Completely about ideas and not about real events or actions.
Ejemplos
- The risk is purely theoretical and unlikely to happen.
- His argument is purely theoretical and lacks evidence.
theoretical framework
1/θˌiɚˈɛtɪkəl fɹˈeɪmwˌɚk/
fixed phrase
technical
set of ideas for research
A group of ideas that guide how to study or think about something.
Ejemplos
- The study uses a theoretical framework from sociology.
- We built our research on a strong theoretical framework.
in theory
1/ˈɪn θˈiɚi/
fixed phrase
According to ideas or plans
When something should happen based on ideas or plans, but it might not happen in real life.
Ejemplos
- In theory, this method should work every time.
- In theory, the plan should work perfectly.
- In theory, anyone can apply for the job, but few are qualified.
- In theory, anyone can apply for the job, but in practice it’s very competitive.
in theory
2/ˈɪn θˈiɚi/
fixed phrase
according to theory, not practice
According to ideas or rules of how something should work, not necessarily how it really works.
Ejemplos
- In theory, the new law will reduce traffic, but many people doubt it.
- The plan sounds perfect in theory, but it will be hard to carry out.
- In theory, children learn faster with smaller classes.