theoretical

Universal Words adjective [usuallybeforenoun] 1 concerned with the ideas and principles on which a particular subject is based, rather than with practice and experiment: a theoretical analysis / approach / debate / model * theoretical physics * The first year provides students with a sound theoretical basis for later study. OPPEXPERIMENTAL, PRACTICAL 2 that could possibly exist, happen or be true, although this is unlikely: It's a theoretical possibility. theoretically adverb: theoretically sound conclusions * It is theoretically possible for him to overrule their decision, but highly unlikely.