theoreticalism

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noun

An approach based on theory, paying little or no attention to real-world concerns.

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Meanings

nountheoreticalism (uncountable)
  1. uncountableAn approach based on theory, paying little or no attention to real-world concerns.

    In some cases it even leads to a certain insensitivity, for instance when the professional approaches problems with the detached theoreticalism acquired in school rather than with concerned pragmatism.

    1973, Bulletin of the Menninger Clinic, page 169

Origin

From theoretical + -ism.

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Cite this entry
APA

theoreticalism. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 4, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/theoreticalism

MLA

“theoreticalism.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/theoreticalism. Accessed November 4, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “theoreticalism,” accessed November 4, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/theoreticalism.

Source: theoreticalism on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.