/ˌθɪəˈretɪkl ||; ˌθiəˈrɛtɪkḷ/adj1 based on ideas and principles, not on practical experience 根据理论的: A lot of university courses are still too theoretical these days. 现在许多大学的课程仍然太偏重理论。
2 that may possibly exist or happen, although it is unlikely 有可能存在或发生的（虽然不大会）:
There is a theoretical possibility that the world will end tomorrow. 从理论上说，世界存在明天就毁灭的可能性。 ☞Look at practical. 参看practical。 ➔theoretically /-kli ||; -klɪ/ adv