Theory — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /ˈthē-ə-rē/ the·o·ry

Meaning & Definition of Theory

Theory (noun)

  1. a scientifically acceptable or plausible general principle or body of principles based on data and offered to explain phenomena
  2. a hypothetical structure explaining or relating to an observed set of facts
  3. the general or abstract principles of a body of knowledge, a science, or an art

Theory (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. an idea that is the starting point for making a case or conducting an investigation

    "set out to prove her theory that people can't really taste any difference between colas, so they buy according to the product's image"

    similar: hypothesis, proposition, supposition, thesis
    related: assumption, concession, premise, presumption, presupposition, theorem, conjecture, generalization, guess, guesswork, inference, speculation, surmise, proffer, proposal, suggestion, feeling, hunch, impression, inkling, notion, suspicion, abstraction, concept, conception, construct
    near: assurance, certainty, fact, knowledge

Related Entry: Relativity (noun)

Relativity is a different word from Theory. The synonyms below are for relativity, not for theory.

  1. the state of having a relation to or connection with or being necessarily reliant upon something else

    similar: reciprocity, dependence, dependency, reliance, confidence, credence, faith, stock, trust
    opposite: autonomy, self-determination, sovereignty, independence, independency, self-dependence, self-reliance, self-sufficiency, self-support

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Theory

The most common words with a similar meaning to Theory:

hypothesis, proposition, supposition, thesis

Related Words for Theory

assumption, concession, premise, presumption, presupposition, theorem, conjecture, generalization, guess, guesswork, inference, speculation, surmise, proffer, proposal, suggestion, feeling, hunch, impression, inkling, notion, suspicion, abstraction, concept, conception, construct

Near Antonyms of Theory

assurance, certainty, fact, knowledge

Word Forms of Theory

Inflections: theories

Origin & Etymology of Theory

Late Latin theoria, from Greek theōria, from theōrein

First known use: 1588

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Theory

Words & Phrases Containing Theory

theory of games, theory of numbers, atomic theory, auteur theory, big bang theory, Bohr theory, catastrophe theory, cell theory, chaos theory

Frequently Asked Questions about Theory

What does "Theory" mean?

"Theory" means a scientifically acceptable or plausible general principle or body of principles based on data and offered to explain phenomena. As a noun, it is defined as: a scientifically acceptable or plausible general principle or body of principles based on data and offered to explain phenomena.

What is another word for "Theory"?

Other words for "Theory" include hypothesis, proposition, supposition and thesis. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Theory" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Theory"?

There are 30 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Theory". Common alternatives include hypothesis, proposition, supposition and thesis.

How do you use "Theory" in a sentence?

Examples of "Theory" in a sentence: "set out to prove her theory that people can't really taste any difference between colas, so they buy according to the product's image".

Is "Theory" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Theory" is a noun.

Is "Theory" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a B1-level word, "Theory" is typical of Cambridge B1 Preliminary (PET), IELTS band 4.0–5.0, TOEFL iBT 42–71, PTE Academic 43–58, TOEIC Listening & Reading 550+. It is on the Academic Word List, so it appears often in IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, and university texts.

How do you pronounce "Theory"?

"Theory" is pronounced /ˈthē-ə-rē/ and divided into syllables as the·o·ry.

What is the origin of the word "Theory"?

"Theory" comes from Late Latin theoria, from Greek theōria, from theōrein. First known use: 1588.