teoricamente

Teóricamente is the adverb used in Spanish to express that something is true or valid according to theory rather than in practice. It corresponds to the English “theoretically” and is often used to distinguish ideal or assumed conditions from real-world outcomes. Phrases like “teóricamente, el modelo funciona” signal that the claim rests on theoretical reasoning, not on empirical verification.

Etymology and form: Teóricamente is formed from the adjective teórico (theoretical) plus the suffix -mente, which creates adverbs. The word teórico itself comes from the Greek theōria through Latin theoria, meaning contemplation or theory. The correct spelling in Spanish includes an accent on the ó in the root, yielding teóricamente. The form teoricamente (without the accent) is considered incorrect in normative Spanish, though it appears in some texts or on keyboards lacking diacritics.

Usage and nuance: Teóricamente is commonly used in science, philosophy, economics, law, and everyday language to acknowledge that a claim relies on theoretical premises. It often introduces a contrast with practical or experimental results, as in: “Teóricamente, el sistema debería resistir esa carga; en la práctica, falla.” The term emphasizes conditions, assumptions, or idealizations required for the conclusion.

See also: teoría, teórico, teoría de …