Where does “theoretical” come from?
Theoretical comes from English theoretic, from Ancient Greek θεωρητικός meaning "of or for contemplation or speculation."
theoretical (English): Of or relating to theory; abstract; not empirical
Definitions
- Of or relating to theory; abstract; not empirical
Ancestry of “theoretical”, step by step
| Step | Language | Word | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | English | theoretic | Concerned with theories or hypotheses rather than... |
| 2 | English | theory | A description of an event or system that is... |
| 3 | Middle French | théorie | — |
| 4 | Late Latin | theoria | contemplation, speculation; speculation, theory |
| 5 | Ancient Greek | θεωρός | spectator; envoy sent to consult an oracle |
| 6 | Ancient Greek | θέα | view, sight |
| 7 | Proto-Hellenic | *tʰáwā | — |