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"; "true in fact and theory"
Used in a Sentence
theory
How to use theory in a sentence. Example sentences and definitions for theory.
Editorial note
Its good in theory, but in practice it doesn't work.
Examples7
Definitions3
Parts of speech1
Quick take
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"; "true in fact and theory"
Meaning at a glance
The clearest senses and uses of theory gathered in one view.
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"
Definitions
Core meanings and parts of speech for theory.
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; "theories can incorporate facts and laws and tested hypotheses"; "true in fact and theory"
noun
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"
See also: hypothesis, possibility
noun
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"
Example sentences
Its good in theory, but in practice it doesn't work.
The second argument is where people start talking about the supposed benefits drones, because they're in theory more precise.
One commentator is attempting to advance the baseless theory that the bully did not care about the sex of his victim.
* Semmelweis' actual theory of the cause of childbed fever was wrong, and it was wrong in ways that made his recommendations hard to take seriously.
I make no assertion about the accuracy of this abstract theory, but I can summarize reality in a much simpler way: many programmers work in businesses where software is a cost center.
We keep inventing jobs because of this false idea that everybody has to be employed at some kind of drudgery because, according to Malthusian Darwinian theory he must justify his right to exist.
Examples are the mathematical notations of various disciplines, the jargon-laden meta-language of historical theory/literary criticism, and what is popularly known as 'legalese'.
Frequently asked questions
Short answers drawn from the clearest meanings and examples for this word.
How do you use theory in a sentence?
Its good in theory, but in practice it doesn't work.
What does theory mean?
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"; "true in fact and theory"
What part of speech is theory?
theory is commonly used as noun.