theoretically

adv

Etymology: Etymology tree English theoretical Proto-Indo-European *leyg-der. Proto-Germanic *līkąder. Proto-Germanic *-līkaz Proto-Germanic *-ê Proto-Germanic *-līkê Proto-West Germanic *-līkē Old English -līċe Middle English -ly English -ly English theoretically 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.”

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.”

   “No, but insurance does cover it. Theoretically.”