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theory

/ˈθɪ.ɹi/noun2 syllables

Theory means: a tentative insight into the natural world; a concept that is not yet verified but that if true would explain certain facts or phenomena.

Synonyms for theory3

noun, as in a tentative insight into the natural world; a concept that is not yet verified but that if true would explain certain facts or phenomena

hypothesis, possibility

also used for theory

joseki

Includes material from Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.

What does theory mean?3

noun

1

a tentative insight into the natural world; a concept that is not yet verified but that if true would explain certain facts or phenomena“a scientific hypothesis that survives experimental testing becomes a scientific theory”

2

a well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world; an organized system of accepted knowledge that applies in a variety of circumstances to explain a specific set of phenomena“theories can incorporate facts and laws and tested hypotheses”

3

a belief that can guide behavior“the architect has a theory that more is less”

Definitions from the Open English WordNet, CC BY 4.0.

What rhymes with theory?5

two syllables

wearyerieeeriedrearycheery
Show 40 near rhymes
reallycityprettyseriessimplycommitteenearlyquicklyclearlycitiesbusyguiltysydneyjimmyminidisneysillymerelybillyfiftytheoriesmississippistrictlyseverelychileguineashittykidneyindieskinnykittypitytrickylilyriskycommitteessixtysincerelyyearlymickey

Theory in a sentence

  • In theory it is possible, but in practice it is very difficult.bluepie88
  • When it comes to science, practice is more important than theory.FeuDRenais
  • In the light of these facts, it may be necessary to revise our theory.CK
  • Your theory is crazy, but it's not crazy enough to be true.Scott
  • It's all very well in theory, but will it work in practice?torishima
  • Even having understood, it is a difficult theory to explain.LB
  • In theory, theory and practice should be the same, but in practice, they're not.kemushi69
  • Though effective in theory, this practice is likely to be discriminatory in practice.mailohilohi

Sentences from Tatoeba, CC BY 2.0 FR, credited to their authors.

Forms of theory

as a noun

plural
theories