Reading Theme:
Theory Definition, Examples & Common Mistakes (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：System of ideas (theory)
theory
/ˈθɪri/
n.
A set of formal ideas that tries to explain why something happens or exists.
System of ideas
➕
/ˈsɪstəm əv aɪˈdiːəz/
n.
A set of formal ideas that tries to explain why something happens or exists.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Greek 'theoria' (contemplation) from 'thea' (view) + 'horan' (to see).
💡 Mnemonic
Think 'the' + 'story'? 'Theory' sounds like 'the story' – a story that tries to explain why things happen.
📖 Example
In our science class, we learned the theory that explains why the sky appears blue.
In our science class, we learned the theory that explains why the sky appears blue.
🔗 Collocations
scientific theory – a theory based on the scientific method and empirical evidence
theory of evolution – the scientific explanation for how species change over time
prove a theory – to provide evidence that supports a theory
🔄 Synonyms
hypothesis (n.) – a proposed explanation that can be tested
model (n.) – a simplified representation of a system used to explain phenomena
explanation (n.) – a statement that makes something clear
🚫 Antonyms
🌱 Derivatives
theoretical (adj.) – relating to theory, not practical
theorist (n.) – a person who develops or studies theories
theorize (v.) – to form a theory about something
📖 Cultural Story
Originating from Greek 'theoria' (contemplation), from 'theoros' (spectator). In ancient Greece, it referred to philosophical speculation. Today, a scientific theory is a rigorously tested framework, unlike the casual use as 'guess'.
Meaning 2：Unproven opinion (theory)
theory
/ˈθɪri/
n.
An idea or opinion that someone has, which is not necessarily based on proven facts.
Unproven opinion
➕
/ʌnˈpruːvən əˈpɪnjən/
n.
An idea or opinion that someone has, which is not necessarily based on proven facts.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
My theory about why he's late is that he probably missed the bus again.
My theory about why he's late is that he probably missed the bus again.
🔗 Collocations
pet theory – a personal theory that someone strongly believes in
theory about – an opinion or idea concerning a particular subject
wild theory – an unlikely or improbable idea
🔄 Synonyms
guess (n.) – an estimate or opinion formed without sufficient evidence
hypothesis (n.) – a tentative idea that needs to be tested
notion (n.) – a general understanding or belief
🚫 Antonyms
🌱 Derivatives
theoretical (adj.) – based on theory rather than practice
theorist (n.) – a person who forms theories
theorize (v.) – to speculate or form theories
Wordbook
Your data is saved in this browser