Definition of THEORY

theory

Meanings

Plural: theories

Noun

  • 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
    • "true in fact and theory"
  • 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"
    • "he proposed a fresh theory of alkalis that later was accepted in chemical practices"
  • a belief that can guide behavior
    • "the architect has a theory that more is less"
    • "they killed him on the theory that dead men tell no tales"
  • A description of an event or system that is considered to be accurate.
  • 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.
  • The underlying principles or methods of a given technical skill, art etc., as opposed to its practice.
  • A field of study attempting to exhaustively describe a particular class of constructs.
  • A set of axioms together with all statements derivable from them; or, a set of statements which are deductively closed. Equivalently, a formal language plus a set of axioms (from which can then be derived theorems). The statements may be required to all be bound (i.e., to have no free variables).
  • The standardization and study of fixed sequences of moves, especially in the opening phase of a game.
  • Mental conception; reflection, consideration.
  • A hypothesis or conjecture.

Origin / Etymology

From Middle French théorie, from Late Latin theōria, from Ancient Greek θεωρία (theōría, “contemplation, divine perspective, speculation, a looking at, a seeking”), from θεωρέω (theōréō, “I look at, view, see, consider, examine”), from θεωρός (theōrós, “spectator”), from θέα (théa, “view, perspective, sight”) + ὁράω (horáō, “I see, look”) [i. e. θέαν ὁράω (théan horáō, “see, look at a view; survey + genitive”)].

Scrabble Score: 12

theory is a valid Scrabble (US) TWL word
theory is a valid Scrabble Word in Merriam-Webster MW Dictionary
theory is a valid Scrabble Word in International Collins CSW Dictionary

Words With Friends Score: 10

theory is a valid Words With Friends word