What Is Theory? Definition And Usage Of This Term

What Is Theory? Definition And Usage Of This Term

WHAT IS THEORY – In this topic, we will first know the definition of this term and how is this term used in sentences.

Definition

The Oxford Dictionary defines the term as the following:

• a supposition or a system of ideas intended to explain something, especially one based on general principles independent of the thing to be explained.
• a set of principles on which the practice of an activity is based.
• an idea used to account for a situation or justify a course of action.
• a collection of propositions to illustrate the principles of a subject.

On the other hand, the Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines this term as the following:

• a plausible or scientifically acceptable general principle or body of principles offered to explain phenomena
• a belief, policy, or procedure proposed or followed as the basis of action
• an ideal or hypothetical set of facts, principles, or circumstances —often used in the phrase in theory
• a hypothesis assumed for the sake of argument or investigation
• an unproved assumption
• a body of theorems presenting a concise systematic view of a subject

Synonyms

Here are some of the following synonyms of this term:

• hypothesis
• thesis
• conjecture
• supposition
• speculation
• postulation
• postulate
• proposition
• premise
• surmise

Etymology

It is a late 16th century term which is from the Greek term theōria or ‘contemplation, speculation’, which is from theōros or ‘spectator’.

Examples

Here are some examples of the usage this term:

• The findings are discussed in the context of a competing theory.
• The theory was that life in the workhouse had to be worse than life outside the workhouse, otherwise it would be overrun with the poor.
• Many people have thought that any attempt to find the principles in her method would be nothing but a later theory superimposed on Miss Sullivan’s work.
• In the quantum theory, matter which is in a false vacuum may “tunnel” to its true vacuum state.

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