theory
3 ENTRIES FOUND:
plural
theories
plural
theories
Britannica Dictionary definition of THEORY
1
:
an idea or set of ideas that is intended to explain facts or events
[count]
-
a widely accepted scientific theory
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Einstein's theory of relativity
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theories on/about evolution
[noncount]
-
according to atomic/economic theory
2
[count]
:
an idea that is suggested or presented as possibly true but that is not known or proven to be true
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Her method is based on the theory that all children want to learn.
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There are a number of different theories about the cause of the disease.
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She proposed a theory of her own.
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Investigators rejected the theory that the death was accidental.
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There is no evidence to support such a theory.
3
[noncount]
:
the general principles or ideas that relate to a particular subject
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He is a specialist in film theory and criticism.
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music theory
in theory
1
— used to say what should happen or be true if a theory is correct
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In theory, the reading skills of the students should improve.
2
— used to say that something seems to be true or possible as an idea but may not actually be true or possible
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I agree with you in theory, but realistically I don't think we have the time to do that.
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Her plan sounds good in theory, but I doubt it will really work.
