Theory
[θiәri]
Definition
(noun.) a belief that can guide behavior; 'the architect has a theory that more is less'; 'they killed him on the theory that dead men tell no tales'.
(noun.) a well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world; an organized system of accepted knowledge that applies in a variety of circumstances to explain a specific set of phenomena; 'theories can incorporate facts and laws and tested hypotheses'; 'true in fact and theory'.
Edited by Faye--From WordNet
Definition
(n.) A doctrine, or scheme of things, which terminates in speculation or contemplation, without a view to practice; hypothesis; speculation.
(n.) An exposition of the general or abstract principles of any science; as, the theory of music.
(n.) The science, as distinguished from the art; as, the theory and practice of medicine.
(n.) The philosophical explanation of phenomena, either physical or moral; as, Lavoisier's theory of combustion; Adam Smith's theory of moral sentiments.
Typed by Konrad
Synonyms and Synonymous
n. [1]. Speculation, hypothesis, assumption, conjecture, postulate, plan, scheme, system.[2]. Science, philosophy, doctrine, abstract principles.[3]. Exposition, rationale, reason.
Typist: Marvin
Examples
- The understanding of the place of theory in life is a comparatively new one. Walter Lippmann. A Preface to Politics.
- I had heard that very voice ere this, and compulsory observation had forced on me a theory as to what it boded. Charlotte Bronte. Villette.
- Much of their theory must seem to the modern mind merely fanciful and unsupported speculation. Walter Libby. An Introduction to the History of Science.
- The same theory accounts for the esteem and regard we pay to men of extraordinary parts and abilities. David Hume. A Treatise of Human Nature.
- Some make fun of it, some overpraise, and nearly all insist that I had a deep theory to expound, when I only wrote it for the pleasure and the money. Louisa May Alcott. Little Women.
- But a human impulse is more important than any existing theory. Walter Lippmann. A Preface to Politics.
- Hence, the canon of Natura non facit saltum, which every fresh addition to our knowledge tends to confirm, is on this theory intelligible. Charles Darwin. On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection.
- This theory has since that time been abundantly confirmed by navigators. Walter Libby. An Introduction to the History of Science.
- But the evil doesn't come from the fact that it plays horse with the Newtonian theory of the constitution. Walter Lippmann. A Preface to Politics.
- I belong to the shop, only my sister has a theory that our governor must never know it. Charles Dickens. Little Dorrit.
- Then it is that theory is put to the test. H. G. Wells. The Outline of History_Being a Plain History of Life and Mankind.
- The blind theory won't do. Arthur Conan Doyle. The Return of Sherlock Holmes.
- The emperor at Constantinople was, in theory at least, still emperor. H. G. Wells. The Outline of History_Being a Plain History of Life and Mankind.
- Not much argument was needed to maintain the truth of a theory which to his own contemporaries seemed so natural and congenial. Plato. The Republic.
- For on the theory, such strata must somewhere have been deposited at these ancient and utterly unknown epochs of the world's history. Charles Darwin. On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection.
- For Frederick had broken down now, and all his theories were of no use to him. Elizabeth Cleghorn Gaskell. North and South.
- The two theories need to be held together, yet clearly distinguished. Walter Lippmann. A Preface to Politics.
- He had his own theories of the arts of public address. Rupert S. Holland. Historic Inventions.
- These theories take no account of the telegram. Arthur Conan Doyle. The Return of Sherlock Holmes.
- You are too many for me when you begin to get on your theories, Mr. Holmes, said he. Arthur Conan Doyle. The Return of Sherlock Holmes.
- Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit theories, instead of theories to suit facts. Arthur Conan Doyle. The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes.
- Men must observe for themselves, and form their own theories and personally test them. John Dewey. Democracy and Education.
- I can depend upon myself for having no go-ahead theories that I would rashly bring into practice. Elizabeth Cleghorn Gaskell. North and South.
- For words, theories, symbols, slogans, abstractions of all kinds are nothing but the porous vessels into which life flows, is contained for a time, and then passes through. Walter Lippmann. A Preface to Politics.
- Ideas, as we have seen, whether they be humble guesses or dignified theories, are anticipations of possible solutions. John Dewey. Democracy and Education.
- Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a hard-headed British jury. Arthur Conan Doyle. The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes.
- But what is the good of all these vague theories, cried the banker impatiently, when I have told you that I saw Arthur with the coronet in his hands? Arthur Conan Doyle. The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes.
- Our theories assume, and our language is fitted to thinking of government as a frame--Massachusetts, I believe, actually calls her fundamental law the Frame of Government. Walter Lippmann. A Preface to Politics.
- From which, said Wemmick, conjectures had been raised and theories formed. Charles Dickens. Great Expectations.
- But men do not begin to act upon theories. H. G. Wells. The Outline of History_Being a Plain History of Life and Mankind.
Checker: Stan