noun
a well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world
Examples
- 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
Synonyms
Examples
- 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
noun
a belief that can guide behavior
Examples
- the architect has a theory that more is less
- they killed him on the theory that dead men tell no tales