in theory

according to a theory; theoretically. In theory, if I take my medicine regularly, I will get well. How things work in theory doesn't always match with how things work in reality.

in theory

possibly They could, in theory, have been paid twice if someone hadn't caught the error.

Opposite of: in practice Related vocabulary: in principle

Common Names:

Name	Pronounced	Usage
Elmore	['elmɔ:]
Hynek	-	Czech
Sesto	-	Italian
Sabellius	-	Late Roman
Jurek	YUW-rek	Polish
Flint	[flint]