What does "theoretical" imply about a concept?

The term "theoretical" implies that a concept exists primarily as an idea or hypothesis rather than one that has been substantiated or proven empirically. In various fields, especially in science and philosophy, theoretical concepts are explored for their implications, possibilities, and frameworks, but they remain untested or unverified in practical scenarios. This distinguishes them from concepts that have been demonstrated or validated in real-world applications.

In this context, the other options do not align with the meaning of "theoretical." For instance, to say a concept has been proven true suggests empirical validation, which contradicts the inherent nature of being theoretical. Similarly, stating that it is widely accepted as fact would imply consensus and evidence supporting it, moving it away from the realm of ideas alone. Lastly, when a concept is described as having practical applications, it indicates that it has been tested and is relevant in real-life contexts, which again diverges from the theoretical aspect focused on ideas that may not yet have been applied or demonstrated.