C1 noun Neutral

theory

/ˈθɪəri/

A formal set of ideas or principles intended to explain a specific phenomenon or a group of facts. In scientific contexts, it represents a well-substantiated explanation supported by evidence, while in general usage, it often refers to a plausible but unproven conjecture.

Beispiele

3 von 5
1

I have a theory that my neighbor only mows his lawn when he sees me relaxing in the garden.

I have a personal explanation that my neighbor mows his lawn specifically when I am relaxing.

2

The researchers proposed a new theory to account for the sudden shift in climate patterns.

The researchers suggested a formal explanation for the abrupt change in climate.

3

My theory is he didn't show up because he's still mad about yesterday.

My guess is that his absence is due to him being angry about yesterday.

Wortfamilie

Nomen
theory
Verb
theorize
Adverb
theoretically
Adjektiv
theoretical
Verwandt
theorist
💡

Merkhilfe

Think of a 'Theater' (from the same Greek root 'thea', meaning a view). A 'theory' is a specific 'way of viewing' or 'looking at' how things work.

Schnelles Quiz

Everything sounds great in _______, but we need to see how the customers react to the actual product.

Richtig!

Die richtige Antwort ist: theory

Beispiele

1

I have a theory that my neighbor only mows his lawn when he sees me relaxing in the garden.

everyday

I have a personal explanation that my neighbor mows his lawn specifically when I am relaxing.

2

The researchers proposed a new theory to account for the sudden shift in climate patterns.

formal

The researchers suggested a formal explanation for the abrupt change in climate.

3

My theory is he didn't show up because he's still mad about yesterday.

informal

My guess is that his absence is due to him being angry about yesterday.

4

Einstein's general theory of relativity revolutionized our understanding of space and time.

academic

Einstein's scientific framework for relativity changed how we perceive space and time.

5

In theory, the new software should reduce processing time by half, though we need to run more tests.

business

According to the planned design, the software should be faster, but it is not yet proven.

Wortfamilie

Nomen
theory
Verb
theorize
Adverb
theoretically
Adjektiv
theoretical
Verwandt
theorist

Häufige Kollokationen

conspiracy theory A belief that a secret group is responsible for an event.
economic theory The principles and models governing the economy.
develop a theory To create or formulate a new set of explanatory ideas.
string theory A specific theoretical framework in particle physics.
prove a theory To provide enough evidence to demonstrate that an explanation is correct.

Häufige Phrasen

in theory

Used to describe what is supposed to happen, often implying it might not happen in reality.

pet theory

A favorite idea or explanation that someone likes to promote.

put into practice

The act of applying a theory to real-life situations.

Wird oft verwechselt mit

theory vs hypothesis

A hypothesis is a tentative starting point for investigation, while a theory is a comprehensive, often well-tested explanation.

📝

Nutzungshinweise

Use 'theory' carefully in scientific writing; it implies a high level of evidence and systematic reasoning. In casual conversation, 'theory' is often synonymous with 'hunch' or 'guess'.

⚠️

Häufige Fehler

Learners often say 'in the theory' when they mean 'in theory'. Also, avoid using 'theory' to describe a simple observation; it usually requires a set of underlying principles.

💡

Merkhilfe

Think of a 'Theater' (from the same Greek root 'thea', meaning a view). A 'theory' is a specific 'way of viewing' or 'looking at' how things work.

📖

Wortherkunft

From Late Latin 'theoria', originating from the Greek 'theōria', meaning 'contemplation, speculation, or a looking at'.

Grammatikmuster

Countable noun: theories Often followed by 'of' + noun (e.g., theory of evolution) Often followed by a 'that' clause (e.g., the theory that the earth is round)
🌍

Kultureller Kontext

In modern English-speaking scientific culture, the phrase 'it's just a theory' is controversial because it confuses the colloquial meaning (guess) with the scientific meaning (rigorous framework).

Schnelles Quiz

Everything sounds great in _______, but we need to see how the customers react to the actual product.

Richtig!

Die richtige Antwort ist: theory

Ähnliche Wörter

proceed

C1

The noun form, typically used in the plural 'proceeds,' refers to the total amount of money received from a particular event, sale, or activity. It is a formal term used in academic, legal, and business contexts to describe the result of a financial transaction or fundraising effort.

individual

C1

Relating to a single person or thing as distinct from a group. It describes something that is intended for, or used by, one person rather than a collective entity.

appropriately

B2

To perform an action in a manner that is suitable, right, or proper for a particular situation, person, or occasion. It implies following specific social norms, professional standards, or logical requirements.

region

B2

A region is an area of land that has common features, such as geography, climate, or culture, which distinguish it from other areas. It can refer to a large part of a country or the world and is often used in administrative or scientific contexts to organize space.

resource

B2

A stock or supply of money, materials, staff, and other assets that can be drawn on by a person or organization in order to function effectively. In academic and informational contexts, it refers to a source of information or expertise used to support research or learning.

to

A1

Used to indicate the place, person, or thing that someone or something moves toward. It can also mark the recipient of an action or the limit of a range.

and

A1

A primary conjunction used to connect words, phrases, or clauses that are grammatically equal. It indicates addition, a sequence of events, or a relationship between two things.

a

A1

A word used before a singular noun that is not specific or is being mentioned for the first time. It is used only before words that begin with a consonant sound to indicate one of something.

that

A1

This word is a demonstrative pronoun used to indicate a specific person, object, or idea that is further away in space or time from the speaker. It is also used to refer back to something that has already been mentioned or to introduce a clause that identifies something.

I

A1

The pronoun 'I' is used by a speaker or writer to refer to themselves as the subject of a verb. It is the first-person singular subject pronoun in English and is always capitalized regardless of its position in a sentence.

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