theory
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
How often you will meet it
Rank 2,789 of 71,295 words measured. It occurs 5,950 times across 155,139 chapters — 0.003% of every word in the library.
What it means
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 hypothesestrue 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 also: hypothesis, possibility a scientific hypothesis that survives experimental testing becomes a scientific theoryhe 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 lessthey killed him on the theory that dead men tell no tales
theory in real books
Each sentence below was written by a published author and is taken from a different book in our library. Open one to read the passage it came from, with narration.
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How empty is theory in presence of fact!
A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court, Part 9. · Mark Twain · Chapter 2
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Unless they could demolish the detective's theory he, Bobby Blackburn, would go to the death house.
The Abandoned Room · Wadsworth Camp · Chapter 1
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I have a theory that speech, persevered in, is more efficacious in times of trouble than silent sympathy.
The Little Nugget · P. G. (Pelham Grenville) Wodehouse · Chapter 1
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It was his theory that discipline must be maintained in the household, so he did not tell Fuji his feelings.
Where the Blue Begins · Christopher Morley · Chapter 1
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Rustics declare them to be silver, and account for their crumbling on the theory that the metal is under a curse.
Myths and Legends of Our Own Land — Volume 02 · Charles M. (Charles Montgomery) Skinner · Chapter 1