theory

Plural

theories

1. 1.A description of an event or system that is considered to be accurate.

   • As they encrease the hatred of vice in some, so doe they enlarge the theory of wickednesse in all.

2. 2.A coherent statement or set of ideas that explains observed facts or phenomena and correctly predicts new facts or phenomena not previously observed, or which sets out the laws and principles of something known or observed; a hypothesis confirmed by observation, experiment etc.

   • Does this mean, then, that there can be no such thing as a theory of literature?
   • In its most proper acceptation, theory means the completed result of philosophical induction from experience.
   • The world would need additional decades [...] before the Big Bang would begin to move from interesting idea to established theory.

3. 3.The underlying principles or methods of a given technical skill, art etc., as opposed to its practice.

   • Lopukhov wrote a number of books and articles on ballet theory, as well as his memoirs.

4. 4.A field of study attempting to exhaustively describe a particular class of constructs.

   • Knot theory classifies the mappings of a circle into 3-space.
   • The theory is that by stripping costs to the bone, they are able to offer ludicrously low fares.
   • It's just a theory I have, and I wonder if women would agree. But don't men say a lot about themselves when a short-skirted woman slides out of a car or chair?

Overall

Common· #896

By learning goal

Everyday conversation

Rare

General reading & writing

Common

Academic

Common

Literature

Rare

Synonyms

• hypothesis
• possibility

Word family

• the