Meaning of in theory in English

Table of contents
  1. Pronunciation
  2. Adverb
    1. Definitions

  1. Pronunciation

    US accent

    UK accent

  1. Adverb

    in theory

    Definitions

    1. according to the assumed facts

    Examples

    • « on paper the candidate seems promising »
  2. 2. with regard to fundamentals although not concerning details

    Examples

    • « in principle, we agree »
  3. 3. as described in contrast to as practiced

    Examples

    • « on paper, this looks like a good idea »

Famous quotes

  • « In my travels, I also noticed that kids in Thailand like spicy food, and kids in India love curry. I'm hoping to introduce my son, Hudson, to lots of veggies and spices when he's young. I say that before he's started on solid foods, so it could be easier in theory than practice! »
    Curtis Stone
  • « I have nothing against 3-D in theory. But I've also never run to the movies because something's in 3-D. »
    J. J. Abrams
  • « America traditionally represents the greatest possibility of someone's going from nothing to something. Why? In theory, if not practice, the government stays out of the way and lets individuals take risks and reap rewards or accept the consequences of failure. We call this capitalism - or, at least, we used to. »
    Larry Elder
  • « Although we have, in theory, abolished human slavery, recognized women's rights, and stopped child labor, we continue to enslave other species who, if we simply pay attention, show quite clearly that they experience parental love, pain, and the desire for freedom, just as we do. »
    Ingrid Newkirk
  • « In theory there is a possibility of perfect happiness: To believe in the indestructible element within one, and not to strive towards it. »
    Franz Kafka

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