theoretically.

1. According to the concepts or predictions of a theory.

2. As a possibility or expectation in principle, even if practical conditions prevent or complicate it.

Use it for

Words that belong together

• theoretically justified
• theoretically informed

On the page

The intervention was theoretically justified, but its effects still required measurement.

The essay was theoretically informed without treating one framework as beyond criticism.

Usage notes

Primary category: academic / formal. Forms: Invariable adverb; no plural or tense forms. Compare degree only where the particular use naturally permits it. Legacy lexical fields mirror sense 1 only. Use numbered sense fields for all meanings. Established modern English lexical item. No separate regional spelling or grammatical inflection entry. Writing functions: qualification, comparison, causation, methodology, interpretation. Disciplines: academic writing, research, argumentation. Commonness: moderately common.