How to pronounce theoretically
Say it like thee-uh-RET-ih-kuh-lee. Theoretically has six syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (RET).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce theoretically. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- thee
- uh
- RET
- ih
- kuh
- lee
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Theoretically pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- theeGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- RETSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- ihKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- kuhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- leeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of theoretically
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: thee-uh-RET-ih-kuh-lee.
What does theoretically mean?
- in theory; according to the assumed facts“on paper the candidate seems promising”
- in a theoretical manner“he worked the problem out theoretically”
Where does theoretically come from?
From theoretical + -ly.
Similar and opposite words
Opposite meaning
Words that rhyme with theoretically
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of theoretically.
Questions about saying theoretically
How do you pronounce theoretically?
Say thee-uh-RET-ih-kuh-lee. The American pronunciation is /ˌθiəˈrɛtɪkəli/. In British English it is /ˌθiːəˈrɛtɪkəli/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in theoretically?
Theoretically has six syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (RET). Broken into parts: thee · uh · RET · ih · kuh · lee.
Is theoretically pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t. The British form is /ˌθiːəˈrɛtɪkəli/ (thee-uh-RET-ih-kuh-lee).