Theory (Noun)
Meaning 1
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".
Classification
Nouns denoting cognitive processes and contents.
Examples
- Her theory that exercise should be enjoyable led her to create a new type of workout routine.
- The engineer's theory that a simple design is more efficient influenced the development of the new product.
- They took the risk on the theory that high returns often require high risks.
- The teacher's theory that all students can learn with the right support motivated her to become a special education instructor.
- The company invested in the new technology on the theory that innovation is key to long-term success.
Hyponyms
Related Words
Meaning 2
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".
Classification
Nouns denoting cognitive processes and contents.
Synonyms
Hypernyms
Hyponyms
- Model
- Theoretical Account
- Conjecture
- Historicism
- Supposition
- Assumption
- Gemmule
- Hypothetical
- Speculation
Related Words
Meaning 3
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".
Classification
Nouns denoting cognitive processes and contents.
Hyponyms
- Atomic Theory
- Holistic Theory
- Atomist Theory
- Structural Anthropology
- Atomistic Theory
- Theory Of Preformation
- Structural Sociology