theory
theory Lexical Profile
theory Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A well-substantiated, coherent system of ideas or principles intended to explain a wide range of natural phenomena, based on empirical evidence, observation, and repeated testing.
"Einstein's general theory of relativity transformed our understanding of gravity, space, and time."
An idea, conjecture, or supposition proposed to account for a situation or justify a course of action.
"My personal theory is that they delayed the announcement to avoid overshadowing the conference."
The abstract principles and formal rules of a subject, art, or discipline, considered separately from its practical execution.
"She studied music theory for years before composing her first string quartet."
Word Nuance & Usage
In everyday conversation, 'theory' often refers to an untested hunch or guess, whereas in scientific contexts a 'theory' is a rigorously tested, well-substantiated framework of explanation supported by a vast body of empirical evidence (distinct from a tentative 'hypothesis').
• Rhymes for theory
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the late 16th century via Late Latin theoria from Ancient Greek theōria ('contemplation, speculation, a looking at'), derived from theōros ('spectator'), from thea ('a view') + horan ('to see').