theory

Where “theory” sits in English frequency

Definition

1. 1
   A description of an event or system that is considered to be accurate.
2. 2
   A coherent statement or set of ideas that explains observed facts or phenomena and correctly predicts new facts or phenomena not previously observed, or which sets out the laws and principles of something known or observed; a hypothesis confirmed by observation, experiment etc.
3. 3
   The underlying principles or methods of a given technical skill, art etc., as opposed to its practice.
4. 4
   A field of study attempting to exhaustively describe a particular class of constructs.
5. 5
   A set of axioms together with all statements derivable from them; or, a set of statements which are deductively closed. Equivalently, a formal language plus a set of axioms (from which can then be derived theorems). The statements may be required to all be bound (i.e., to have no free variables).
6. 6
   The standardization and study of fixed sequences of moves, especially in the opening phase of a game.
7. 7
   Mental conception; reflection, consideration.
8. 8
   A hypothesis or conjecture.

Etymology

From Middle French théorie, from Late Latin theōria, from Ancient Greek θεωρία (theōría, “contemplation, divine perspective, speculation, a looking at, a seeking”), from θεωρέω (theōréō, “I look at, view, see, consider, examine”), from θεωρός (theōrós, “spectator”), from θέα (théa, “view, perspective, sight”) + ὁράω (horáō, “I see, look”) [i. e. θέαν ὁράω (théan horáō, “see, look at a view; survey + genitive”)].

This word in other languages

Common misspellings

Also misspelled as: hteory,tehory,theorry,theoryy,theoyr,theroy,thheory,thoery,ttheory

Misspelling Pattern Breakdown

How far each generated variant is from the correct spelling of theory - expressed in single-character edits (insert, delete, or swap one letter). Bigger bars stand out at a glance; a one-edit slip is the hardest to catch.

Frequently Asked Questions