theoretically
advEtymology From theoretical + -ly.
1
in theory; on paper
- I haven't tested it, but theoretically it ought to fly.
- Of course, it will never get -100 here like it does in Antarctica, but a 300-degree swing was still theoretically possible on a record-cold Minnesota morning–if we got the sauna hot enough.2019 February 8, Saunatimes Guest Posts, quoting Tyler, “Father and sons take a 280 degree f. sauna, documenting the only “300 Club” in North America”, in SaunaTimes:
2
in a theoretical manner
- I solved the problem theoretically rather than practically.
3
in theory though not necessarily in reality.
- Rumors of an indictment had spread through this heavily gay and lesbian community since shortly after the theoretically secret investigation began in 1984.1985 December 14, Gordon Gottlieb, “L.A. Community Divided over Terrigno Indictment”, in Gay Community News, volume 13, number 22, page 10:
- No, but insurance does cover it. Theoretically.2023 November 1, Honest Dentist Appointment:
- Derived terms
- graph-theoretically, number-theoretically, set theoretically, set-theoretically