Pronunciation: /ˈθiəri/
noun a supposition or a system of ideas intended to explain something, especially one based on general principles independent of the thing to be explained
A1 My friend has a theory that cats always land on their feet.
A2 In science class, we learned about the theory of evolution.
B1 One popular theory suggests that the universe is constantly expanding.
B2 The theory of relativity revolutionized our understanding of space and time.
C1 Einstein's theory of general relativity has been confirmed through numerous experiments.
C2 The quantum theory of physics challenges our traditional views of reality.
formal The scientist proposed a new theory to explain the phenomenon.
informal I have a theory about why she always arrives late.
slang I heard this crazy theory about aliens living among us.
figurative In theory, this plan should work perfectly, but in reality, it might not.
theories
more theoretical
most theoretical
theorizes
will theorize
has theorized
is theorizing
theory
theoretical
to theorize
theorizing
theorized