Theoretic vs. Theoretical — What's the Difference?

Theoretic and Theoretical are adjectives describing concepts or ideas that are concerned with theories rather than their practical application. While both words are often used interchangeably, 'theoretical' is more frequently used in modern academic and scientific contexts to describe principles that are understood in theory but not yet proven or realized in practice. 'Theoretic' is less commonly used but carries a similar meaning, often implying a more abstract or philosophical approach to understanding concepts.

Theoretical has a strong association with assumptions made for the sake of argument or investigation, commonly found in expressions like 'theoretical physics' or 'theoretical model.' Theoretic may also pertain to such contexts but is less preferred in contemporary usage. Both terms denote the realm of ideas and principles that are not derived from practical considerations but from abstract reasoning.

In scientific discourse, 'theoretical' often precedes discussions about models or frameworks that explain how something might happen or work, whereas 'theoretic' might be employed when the discussion is more speculative in nature. Despite the overlap, 'theoretical' is the term more commonly seen in scholarly articles and research papers, suggesting a more established or widely accepted set of ideas.

When differentiating between the two, it’s helpful to consider their usage in context. 'Theoretical' might describe a hypothesis that has been articulated in detail and is ready to be tested, while 'theoretic' might refer to the earlier stages of idea formation. Both, however, concern the domain of thought and principle, as opposed to practical execution or empirical verification.