Theory (noun) Definition, Meaning & Examples

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noun, plural the·o·ries.
  1. a coherent group of tested general propositions, commonly regarded as correct, that can be used as principles of explanation and prediction for a class of phenomena: Einstein's theory of relativity.
  2. a proposed explanation whose status is still conjectural and subject to experimentation, in contrast to well-established propositions that are regarded as reporting matters of actual fact.
  3. a body of principles, theorems, or the like, belonging to one subject: number theory.
  4. the branch of a science or art that deals with its principles or methods, as distinguished from its practice: music theory.
  5. a particular conception or view of something to be done or of the method of doing it; a system of rules or principles: conflicting theories of how children best learn to read.
  6. contemplation or speculation: the theory that there is life on other planets.
  7. guess or conjecture: My theory is that he never stops to think words have consequences.
Idioms
  1. ideally; hypothetically: In theory, mapping the human genome may lead to thousands of cures.
noun plural -ries
  1. a system of rules, procedures, and assumptions used to produce a result
  2. abstract knowledge or reasoning
  3. a speculative or conjectural view or idea
  4. an ideal or hypothetical situation (esp in the phrase in theory)
  5. a set of hypotheses related by logical or mathematical arguments to explain and predict a wide variety of connected phenomena in general terms
  6. a nontechnical name for hypothesis (def. 1)
    Theory (noun) Definition, Meaning & Examples

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