In theory
adverb
According to the principles or ideas, but not necessarily in practice or reality.
In theory, the journey should take about two hours, but with traffic it could take longer.
Often appears as...
- works in theory
- holds up in theory
adverb
In scientific or academic terms, although not necessarily in practical ones.
In theory, this model explains the behavior of the particles, but there are some anomalies.
Often appears as...
- explains in theory
- proven in theory
Usage tips
Formal
Academic
adverb
Based on assumptions or hypotheses.
In theory, the strategy should work, based on our assumptions, but we haven't tested it yet.
Often appears as...
- should work in theory
- seems fine in theory
Usage tips
Technical
adverb
According to the principles or ideas, but not necessarily in practice or reality.
In theory, the journey should take about two hours, but with traffic it could take longer.
Often appears as...
- works in theory
- holds up in theory
adverb
In scientific or academic terms, although not necessarily in practical ones.
In theory, this model explains the behavior of the particles, but there are some anomalies.
Often appears as...
- explains in theory
- proven in theory
Usage tips
Formal
Academic
adverb
Based on assumptions or hypotheses.
In theory, the strategy should work, based on our assumptions, but we haven't tested it yet.
Often appears as...
- should work in theory
- seems fine in theory
Usage tips
Technical
Definition 1 of 3
Pro Tip 1/3Practical Limits
Shows a gap between how things could work ideally and real-world challenges or limitations.
In theory, anyone can become president, but in reality, it's a lot more complicated.
Pro Tip 2/3Expectation vs. Reality
Used to express what is expected to happen versus what actually happens.
In theory, this coupon should save you money, but it might be expired.
Pro Tip 3/3Skepticism
Can subtly suggest doubt about whether something will happen or work.
In theory, the plan is sound, but I'm skeptical about its success.
Pro Tip 1/3Practical Limits
Shows a gap between how things could work ideally and real-world challenges or limitations.
In theory, anyone can become president, but in reality, it's a lot more complicated.
Pro Tip 2/3Expectation vs. Reality
Used to express what is expected to happen versus what actually happens.
In theory, this coupon should save you money, but it might be expired.
Pro Tip 3/3Skepticism
Can subtly suggest doubt about whether something will happen or work.
In theory, the plan is sound, but I'm skeptical about its success.
Pro Tip 1/3Practical Limits
Shows a gap between how things could work ideally and real-world challenges or limitations.
In theory, anyone can become president, but in reality, it's a lot more complicated.
Pro Tip 2/3Expectation vs. Reality
Used to express what is expected to happen versus what actually happens.
In theory, this coupon should save you money, but it might be expired.
Pro Tip 3/3Skepticism
Can subtly suggest doubt about whether something will happen or work.
In theory, the plan is sound, but I'm skeptical about its success.
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