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Philosophical vs Theoretical - What's the difference?

philosophical | theoretical | Synonyms |

As adjectives the difference between philosophical and theoretical

is that philosophical is of, or pertaining to, philosophy while theoretical is of or relating to theory; abstract; not empirical.

philosophical

English

Alternative forms

* philosophicall (obsolete) * phylosophical (nonstandard) * phylosophicall (obsolete)

Adjective

(en adjective)
  • Of, or pertaining to, philosophy.
  • Rational; analytic or critically-minded; thoughtful.
  • * 1846 , , "The Sphinx" in Arthur's Ladies Magazine ,
  • His richly philosophical intellect was not at any time affected by unrealities.
  • Detached, calm, stoic.
  • * 1911 , , "The Schartz-Metterklume Method,"
  • She bore the desertion with philosophical indifference.

    Antonyms

    * nonphilosophical

    Synonyms

    * philosophic

    Derived terms

    * philosophically

    theoretical

    English

    Adjective

    (en adjective)
  • Of or relating to theory; abstract; not empirical.
  • Derived terms

    * intertheoretical * intratheoretical * nontheoretical

    Coordinate terms

    * practical