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theory definition

theo·ry (t̸hē′ə rē, t̸hir′ē)

noun pl. theories -·ries

  1. Obsolete a mental viewing; contemplation
  2. a speculative idea or plan as to how something might be done
  3. a systematic statement of principles involved the theory of equations in mathematics
  4. a formulation of apparent relationships or underlying principles of certain observed phenomena which has been verified to some degree
  5. that branch of an art or science consisting in a knowledge of its principles and methods rather than in its practice; pure, as opposed to applied, science, etc.
  6. popularly a mere conjecture, or guess

Etymology: < Fr or LL: Fr théorie < LL theoria < Gr theōria, a looking at, contemplation, speculation, theory < theōrein: see theorem

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Alternate definitions:

medical theory definition - medical

telecom theory definition - telecom

theory Synonyms

theory

n.

  1. Principles

    law, principles, postulates, data, conditions, basis, plan, provision, ideas, formularization, systemization, system, codification, code, argument, plea, scheme, foundation, method, approach, outlook, doctrine, dogma, rationale, cosmology, Weltanschauung (German), philosophy; see also law 4.

  2. Something to be proved

    hypothesis, assumption, conjecture, speculation, opinion; see also hypothesis, opinion 1.

theory, in scientific or technical use, refers to a general principle or set of principles, based on considerable evidence, formulated to explain the operation of certain phenomena the theory of evolution, though it is often loosely used to mean a mere conjecture, guess, or hypothesis; hypothesis refers to an explanation that is tentatively inferred, often as a basis for further experimentation, but that is not fully supported by evidence the nebular hypothesis; law implies an exact formulation of the principle operating in a sequence of events in nature, observed to occur with unvarying uniformity under the same conditions the law of the conservation of energy


Webster's New World Roget's A-Z Thesaurus Copyright © 1999 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

theory Usage Examples

Preposition: of

  • relativity: VIEW DETAILS ADD TO MY CATALOG Einstein's Universe Nigel Calder A classic guide to the theory of relativity, updated.

Converse of object

  • apply: Apply the correspondence theory: whichever theory fits the facts is true.

Adjective modifier

  • evolutionary: Could the widespread misunderstanding of evolutionary theory explain the appeal of Intelligent Design creationism?

Noun used with modifier

  • conspiracy: Conspiracy theory There is no obvious end game for Iraq.
theory usage examples (more)

The word usage examples above have been gathered from various sources to reflect current and historical usage. They do not represent the opinions of YourDictionary.com.

theory quotes

Were Ito deduceanysystem frommy feelings on leaving Eton, it might be called TheTheory of Permanent Adolescence.

-Connolly, Cyril Vernon

Read no history: nothing but biography, for that is life without theory.

-Disraeli, Benjamin, 1st Earl of Beaconsfield

Grau, teurer Freund, ist alleTheorie. Und gru« n  des Lebens goldner Baum. All theory, dear friend, isgrey, but the golden tree of actual life springs ever green.

-Goethe,JohannWolfgang von

theory quotes (more)

Webster's New World Dictionary of Quotations Copyright © 2005 by Chambers Harrap Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved. Published by Wiley, Hoboken, NJ. Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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"theory." Webster's New World College Dictionary. 2009

  • Your Dictionary. 4 July 2009
  • <www.yourdictionary.com/theory>

APA Style

theory. (2009). In Webster's New World College Dictionary

  • Retrieved July 4th, 2009, from www.yourdictionary.com/theory

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