THEORY Meaning and
Definition
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Theory refers to a systematic and coherent set of ideas or concepts which provide an explanation or understanding of a particular phenomenon or set of phenomena. It is a framework or model that is developed through observation, experimentation, and analysis to make predictions about the behavior or nature of something. Theories are used in various fields such as science, philosophy, sociology, and psychology to organize knowledge and guide further research.
In the scientific context, a theory is an explanation that is supported by a significant body of evidence and has been tested and refined over time. It is a well-substantiated framework that can be used to explain and predict natural phenomena. A scientific theory is distinct from a hypothesis, as it goes beyond a mere speculation and is backed by multiple lines of empirical evidence.
Theories can also be frameworks of thought or speculation that exist in non-scientific fields. In philosophy, for example, theories aim to explain fundamental questions about knowledge, existence, or ethics. Similarly, social theories in sociology seek to explain social behavior, interactions, and structures within societies.
Moreover, theories can be either descriptive or explanatory. Descriptive theories aim to describe and classify phenomena, whereas explanatory theories attempt to provide an understanding of why and how specific phenomena occur. A theory can evolve and change over time as new evidence emerges or as new perspectives and interpretations are considered.
Overall, theories serve as important tools for understanding, explaining, and predicting complex phenomena in various disciplines and fields of study.
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An hypothesis; a reasoned and probable explanation of the manner in which something has been produced or will be produced; a doctrine of which absolute proof is lacking.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
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A doctrine or scheme of things terminating in speculation, and without a view to practice; the abstract principles of any art considered without reference to practice; the opposite of practice; the science, distinguished from the art; the philosophical explanation of phenomena, either physical or moral; a scheme or system founded on inferences drawn from certain principles, or from the particular arrangement of certain facts.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for THEORY *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for THEORY
Etymology of THEORY
The word "theory" derives from the Greek word "theoria", which means "contemplation" or "speculation". It was used in ancient Greece to describe the act of observing and contemplating the natural world. Over time, the meaning of "theoria" expanded to include the notion of investigation and study, particularly in philosophy and science. The Latin word "theoria" then passed into Old French as "theorie", and eventually into Middle English as "theory", retaining its original sense of contemplation and abstract reasoning.
Idioms with the word THEORY
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in theory
The idiom "in theory" refers to a situation or concept that is considered to be possible or logical according to established principles or rules, but may not always work or be practical in reality. It suggests that something sounds good in concept, but may be challenging to execute or may not yield the expected results when put into action.
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domino theory
The idiom "domino theory" refers to a belief or theory suggesting that the occurrence of one event or action will invariably lead to a chain reaction of similar events or actions. It is often used in political contexts, particularly in reference to the fear that if one country falls under the influence of a particular ideology or power, neighboring countries will also fall in succession, similar to a row of falling dominoes.
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ounce of common sense is worth a pound of theory
The idiom "an ounce of common sense is worth a pound of theory" means that practical wisdom and practical thinking are more valuable and effective than abstract theories or speculative ideas. It emphasizes the importance of practical experience and rational thinking over hypothetical or purely theoretical knowledge.
Similar spelling words for THEORY
- there,
- Thuraia,
- three-cornered,
- Thayer,
- Three-nerved,
- three-seeded,
- THR14,
- three-lipped,
- Three-piled,
- see-through,
- they're,
- Thorow,
- through,
- P-THR,
- A/THR,
- Thauera,
- thoreau,
- THER,
- THUR,
- through-train,
- three-coat-work,
- Thurayya,
- Thore,
- three-master,
- Three-flowered,
- Therra,
- forty-three,
- Three-valved,
- Their,
- thor,
- run-through,
- three-wheel,
- three-piece,
- three-petalled,
- follow-through,
- Thoria,
- throwaway,
- three-speed,
- three-quarter,
- Thru,
- three-pronged,
- Thora,
- out-there,
- three-bladed,
- Three-pointed,
- Thera,
- thruway,
- Thierry,
- L-THR,
- THR,
- three-decker,
- Throwe,
- Threw,
- throe,
- three-star,
- Three-leaved,
- three-way,
- There-anent,
- Thraw,
- through-and-through,
- three-wheeler,
- ninety-three,
- Three-leafed,
- Thry-fallow,
- twenty-three,
- button-through,
- three-d,
- three-dimensionality,
- Three-square,
- three-suited,
- over-throw,
- thirty-three,
- one-two-three,
- three-on-three,
- Three-lobed,
- three-sided,
- three-figure,
- three-bagger,
- eighty-three,
- SER/THR,
- Thro',
- three-quarters,
- THR-GLY,
- THIR,
- fifty-three,
- three-wheeled,
- Thoro,
- Three-score,
- throughway,
- WTHR,
- three-petaled,
- thiry,
- three-hitter,
- L-THREO-DOPS,
- three-fourths,
- Two-throw,
- three-fold,
- three-legged,
- three-membered,
- seventy-three,
- Thar,
- theory-based,
- three-ply,
- Three-mile,
- Throw-crook,
- Theria,
- through-illumination,
- Three-pile,
- thyreo,
- Three-parted,
- three-year-old,
- throw,
- throw-weight,
- come-through,
- three-hundredth,
- three-lane,
- over-threw,
- sixty-three,
- three-dimensional,
- Three-port,
- Thiourea,
- drive-through,
- DL-THREO-DOPS,
- Thyro-,
- THRE,
- Thyra,
- three-deep,
- floor-through,
- Three-handed,
- three,
- death-throe,
- Three-color,
- thyreo-oesophageus,
- three-needled,
- three-party,
- chateau-thierry,
- Three-coat.
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