theoretically

word · lemma: theoretical

/ˌθiɝˈɛtɪkəɫi/
/θiəɹˈɛtɪkli/

Definition

In theory or according to what is supposed to be true, but not always in reality.

Usage & Nuances

Formal or academic tone. Used to contrast what is expected in theory and what may happen in reality. Often used at the start of a sentence: 'Theoretically, this should work.' Not for everyday casual speech unless discussing ideas or possibilities.

Spanish: teóricamentePortuguese (BR): teoricamentePortuguese (PT): teoricamenteChinese (Simplified): 理论上Chinese (Traditional): 理論上Hindi: सैद्धांतिक रूप सेArabic: نظرياًBengali: তাত্ত্বিকভাবেRussian: теоретическиJapanese: 理論的にはVietnamese: về lý thuyếtKorean: 이론적으로Turkish: teorik olarakUrdu: نظری طور پرIndonesian: secara teoritis

Example Sentences

Theoretically, this plan should solve our problem.

basic

Water can theoretically exist as a solid, liquid, or gas.

basic

Theoretically, anyone could win the contest.

basic

Theoretically, we could finish this project in one week, but something always comes up.

natural

You can theoretically eat as much as you want on this diet, but in reality, most people still feel hungry.

natural

Theoretically, flying cars could exist one day, but we’re not there yet.

natural