theoretically
gb/θˌiɚˈɛtɪkli/ us/θˌiɚˈɛtɪkli/
B2
Inglês
~ 8400
Aceções
0 aceções
adverb
B2
relation
1
in theory; in principle
In theory; based on ideas of how something should work, not on what really happens.
Padrão de uso:
Theoretically, [clause]
Erro comum:
Learners often confuse 'theoretical' (adjective) and 'theoretically' (adverb). Use 'theoretical' before a noun (e.g. 'a theoretical model') and 'theoretically' to modify a verb or whole sentence (e.g. 'The model is theoretically sound'). Another common issue is overusing 'theoretically' where native speakers would more naturally say 'in theory'.
Sinónimos
in theory (Very close in meaning and register; used slightly more often in everyday speech.)
|
in principle (Often used for rules or agreements; sounds a bit more formal than 'in theory'.)
Antónimos
practically (Focuses on what really happens or what is realistic in practice, not on theory.)
Colocações
theoretically possible
|theoretically impossible
|theoretically correct
|could theoretically
|theoretically at least
Temas
thinking
|science
|education
|core_vocabulary
Exemplos
- It is theoretically possible to live on Mars, but we are far from doing it.
- The new tax law is theoretically fair to everyone, although some people may still feel unhappy about it.
- Theoretically, the system should restart automatically after a power cut.
- This treatment is theoretically effective, but we still need more clinical trials.
- The machine could theoretically run for years without maintenance if used correctly.
Exemplos para aprendentes
- Theoretically, this plan should save us money.
- It is theoretically possible to work from anywhere with a good internet connection.
- Theoretically, every student can pass the exam if they study hard.
- Theoretically, the car can reach 220 kilometers per hour.
- Theoretically, the computer program has no errors.
unknown
technical
C1
relation
2
using theory as a method
In a way that uses ideas, models, and math instead of tests or hands-on work in the real world.
Padrão de uso:
[something] is analyzed theoretically
Erro comum:
Learners may not realize this specialized meaning is common in academic and scientific writing. In everyday English, 'theoretically' usually contrasts with 'in practice', but here it contrasts with 'experimentally' or 'empirically'.
Sinónimos
abstractly (Emphasizes thinking in general ideas; slightly broader and less tied to scientific models than 'theoretically'.)
|
conceptually (Focuses on working with concepts rather than data; common in academic writing like 'conceptually and theoretically'.)
Antónimos
experimentally (Stresses testing in practice or in the lab, not just using theory.)
Colocações
analyzed theoretically
|studied theoretically
|investigated theoretically
|treated theoretically
Temas
science
|academia
|education
Exemplos
- The system is first developed theoretically and then verified experimentally.
- The fluid flow was studied theoretically using computational models.
- The stability of the structure has been investigated theoretically but not yet confirmed in real conditions.
- These results can be explained theoretically within the standard model of physics.
- The relationship between the two variables was derived theoretically from basic economic assumptions.
Exemplos para aprendentes
- The problem was solved theoretically before they built the real machine.
- Scientists first describe the process theoretically and then test it in the lab.
- In this paper, the model is examined theoretically and numerically.
- The device was designed theoretically using computer software.
- The method works theoretically, but it still needs real tests.
adverb
informal
B2
relation
3
supposedly, though doubtful
Used to say something is true by rule or idea, but you are not sure it is true in real life.
Padrão de uso:
Theoretically, [clause], but [clause]
Erro comum:
Learners may not notice the skeptical tone. In this sense, 'Theoretically, X' often implies 'but in reality, maybe not'. Without that second part (spoken or unspoken), the sentence can sound strange or incomplete in casual conversation.
Sinónimos
supposedly (Also shows doubt about something that is said to be true; slightly more conversational than 'theoretically'.)
|
on paper (Very informal; strongly suggests the thing is not true or does not work in real life.)
Antónimos
actually (Points to what really happens, often in contrast to what is only theoretical or supposed to happen.)
Colocações
theoretically you can
|theoretically I'm
|only theoretically
|theoretically yes
Temas
daily life
|opinions
|core_vocabulary
|communication
Exemplos
- Theoretically, anyone can apply for this job, but they usually hire people they already know.
- Theoretically I'm on a diet, but I keep eating cake.
- Theoretically, the trains run every ten minutes, but in reality they are often late.
- Theoretically, the policy protects all workers, but many people never see the benefits.
- Theoretically, yes, we could finish today, but I doubt it will happen.
Exemplos para aprendentes
- Theoretically, I have free time tonight, but I will probably work late.
- Theoretically, the bus comes at 8 a.m., but it is often late.
- Theoretically, students can choose any class, but most classes are full.
- Theoretically, my phone is water-resistant, but I do not want to test it.
- Theoretically, this game is easy, but I keep losing.
Gramática
Forma de dicionário
theoretically
IPA
GB/θˌiɚˈɛtɪkli/
US/θˌiɚˈɛtɪkli/
Sílabas e acento
the - or - et - ic - ally (5 sílabas)
Stress on 2nd syllable (or)
Formas da palavra
Noun
- Base: theoretically
- Plural: theoreticallies
Família de palavras
Forms
theoreticallies
noun
Core family
theory
noun B2
theoretical
adjective B2
Negative and opposite forms
practical
adjective A2
practically
adverb B1
Advanced or less common
theorization
noun
theoretician
noun
Expressões
theoretically speaking
1/θˌiɚˈɛtɪkli spˈikɪŋ/
fixed phrase
from a theoretical point of view
Used before you say something that is true only in theory, not necessarily in real life.
Exemplos
- Theoretically speaking, there is no limit to human life span.
- Theoretically speaking, we could finish this project in one week.
- Theoretically speaking, this material could replace plastic in many products.
in principle
1/ˈɪn pɹˈɪnsəpəl/
fixed phrase
generally but not fully agreed
Agreeing with an idea in general, but not with all its details or how it is done.
Exemplos
- I agree with the proposal in principle, but we need to discuss the details.
- In principle, everyone supports free education, but funding is an issue.
in principle
2/ˈɪn pɹˈɪnsəpəl/
fixed phrase
generally true according to rules
True according to basic rules or ideas, even if there are problems in real situations.
Exemplos
- In principle, I agree with the new policy, but I worry about the cost.
- In principle, the club is open to everyone.
- In principle, students can retake the exam, but they need special permission.
on paper
1/ˈɔn pˈeɪpɚ/
fixed phrase
informal
good in theory, maybe not in fact
Looking good or correct when you read about it or plan it, but maybe not working well in real life.
Exemplos
- The team looks unbeatable on paper, but they keep losing games.
- On paper, the project made sense, yet it failed in practice.
- The job sounded perfect on paper, but the reality was disappointing.
on paper
2/ˈɔn pˈeɪpɚ/
fixed phrase
in written form only
In writing, but not necessarily true in real life.
Exemplos
- On paper, the plan looks perfect, but it may not work in practice.
- He seems qualified on paper, but he lacks experience.
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.
Exemplos
- 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.
Exemplos
- 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.