Theory meaning

noun

1. 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”

2. a tentative insight into the natural world; a concept that is not yet verified but that if true would explain certain facts or phenomena

   “a scientific hypothesis that survives experimental testing becomes a scientific theory”

   “he proposed a fresh theory of alkalis that later was accepted in chemical practices”

   Synonymshypothesispossibility

3. 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”