MEANING
Not based on a theoretical framework, or not mainly concerned with theoretical questions.
Use it for
describing analysis without an explicit theoretical framework; contrasting descriptive work with theory-driven inquiry; distinguishing a practical focus from opposition to theory; evaluating the theoretical grounding of a studyDistinguishes work not organized around theory from work that actively opposes a theory. Writing functions: Research / Methodology.
Words that belong together
- an atheoretical approach
- atheoretical research
- an atheoretical account
On the page
The review is largely atheoretical, organizing findings by topic rather than by an explanatory model.
An atheoretical description can be useful without claiming to explain the mechanism behind the pattern.
Word forms
- Base
- atheoretical
Explore related collections
Usage notes
Adjective; normally non-gradable, though more atheoretical is possible when discussing degree of theoretical grounding. Do not invent atheoreticaler or atheoreticalest. Register: academic. Commonness: uncommon (qualitative editorial estimate, informed by dictionaries/corpus).
Practice this word in a sentenceYour margin notes
Keep a thought for later. Sign in to save privately.