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theory
[ thee-uh-ree, theer-ee ]
noun
- a coherent group of tested general propositions, commonly regarded as correct, that can be used as principles of explanation and prediction for a class of phenomena:
Einstein's theory of relativity.
- a proposed explanation whose status is still conjectural and subject to experimentation, in contrast to well-established propositions that are regarded as reporting matters of actual fact.
- Mathematics. a body of principles, theorems, or the like, belonging to one subject:
number theory.
- the branch of a science or art that deals with its principles or methods, as distinguished from its practice:
music theory.
- a particular conception or view of something to be done or of the method of doing it; a system of rules or principles:
conflicting theories of how children best learn to read.
- contemplation or speculation:
the theory that there is life on other planets.
Synonyms: view, deduction, conclusion, judgment, opinion, thought
- guess or conjecture:
My theory is that he never stops to think words have consequences.
Synonyms: presumption, supposition, surmise, hypothesis
theory
/ ˈθɪərɪ /
noun
- a system of rules, procedures, and assumptions used to produce a result
- abstract knowledge or reasoning
- a speculative or conjectural view or idea
I have a theory about that
- an ideal or hypothetical situation (esp in the phrase in theory )
- a set of hypotheses related by logical or mathematical arguments to explain and predict a wide variety of connected phenomena in general terms
the theory of relativity
- a nontechnical name for hypothesis
theory
/ thē′ə-rē,thîr′ē /
- A set of statements or principles devised to explain a group of facts or phenomena. Most theories that are accepted by scientists have been repeatedly tested by experiments and can be used to make predictions about natural phenomena.
- See Note at hypothesis
theory
- In science, an explanation or model that covers a substantial group of occurrences in nature and has been confirmed by a substantial number of experiments and observations. A theory is more general and better verified than a hypothesis . ( See Big Bang theory , evolution , and relativity .)
Word History and Origins
Word History and Origins
Origin of theory1
Idioms and Phrases
Synonym Study
Example Sentences
But at the heart of this “Truther” conspiracy theory is the idea that “someone” wants to destroy Bill Cosby.
Is it sort of evidence of the Gladwellian 10,000 hours theory?
But a 2011 study of genetic evidence from 30 ethnic groups in India disproved this theory.
But, in theory, that started to change last week with the first meeting of SIX, the State Innovation Exchange.
So I was happy to see that the European theory of terroir was in action, promoting with pride the qualities of a specific region.
In the year of misery, of agony and suffering in general he had endured, he had settled upon one theory.
Dean Swift was indeed a misanthrope by theory, however he may have made exception to private life.
The other is the new theory: that the Bible is the work of many men whom God had inspired to speak or write the truth.
The evolution theory alleges that they were evolved, slowly, by natural processes out of previously existing matter.
And our surroundings at that particular moment were not the most favorable to coherent thought or plausible theory-building.
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Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
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