theoˈretically, adv.
[f. prec. + -ly2.]
In a theoretic or theoretical manner. a. In the way of or by means of theory; in relation to theory. (In quot. 1701 perh. = contemplatively, speculatively.)
| 1701 Norris Ideal World i. v. 235 As they [the Divine Ideas] are thus independent upon the existence of things in nature, so also upon all mind or understanding.., that is, I mean, as conceptive, or theoretically considered. 1748 Hartley Observ. Man i. iii. 343 This lessens the Difference theoretically also. 1831 Brewster Optics xxxiii. §163. 274 Huygens..investigated the subject, both experimentally and theoretically. 1886 Manch. Exam. 6 Jan. 3/1 Questions which are theoretically interesting to thoughtful people and practically interesting to every one. |
b. According to theory, in theory, ideally; hypothetically (as opp. to actually).
| 1790 C. C. Pinckney in Sparks Corr. Amer. Rev. IV. 341 One great advantage, that might not attend a Constitution theoretically perfect. 1853 Lytton My Novel iii. ix, The position was not quite so pleasant as, theoretically, he had deemed it. 1875 Whitney Life Lang. iv. 67 The possible number of human articulations is theoretically infinite. |