A theory is in general any hypothesis or set of ideas about something, formed in any number of ways through any sort of reasoning for any sort of reason. When applied to intellectual or academic …

Because of the rigors of experimentation and control, it is understood to be more likely to be true than a hypothesis is. In non-scientific use, however, hypothesis and theory are often used interchangeably …

THEORY definition: 1. a formal statement of the rules on which a subject of study is based or of ideas that are…. Learn more.

THEORY definition: a coherent group of tested general propositions, commonly regarded as correct, that can be used as principles of explanation and prediction for a class of phenomena. See examples of …

A theory is a formal idea or set of ideas that is intended to explain something. Marx produced a new theory about historical change based upon conflict between competing groups.

The branch of a science or art consisting of its explanatory statements, accepted principles, and methods of analysis, as opposed to practice: a fine musician who had never studied theory.

theory, n. meanings, etymology, pronunciation and more in the Oxford English Dictionary