theory

noun
/ˈθɪə.ɹi/

A description of an event or system that is considered to be accurate.

Other meanings

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.
The underlying principles or methods of a given technical skill, art etc., as opposed to its practice.

Related words

teletheory
intertheory
in theory
intratheory
theoretic
theorist
theorycel
theorycraft
theoryhead
theoryism
theory-laden
theoryless

Example sentences

“String theory is not even wrong.”
Tatoeba · shekitten · CC0
“Do you prefer theory or practice?”
Tatoeba · Igider · CC0
“Scholars now reject this theory.”
Tatoeba · ddnktr · CC0

Where this comes from

This definition is adapted from “theory” on Wiktionary, by its contributors; example sentences are from Tatoeba, credited to their authors above, published under CC BY-SA 4.0. This page is published under the same licence.