theory
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.
Exemples
3 sur 5I 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.
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.
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.
Synonymes
Famille de mots
Astuce mémo
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.
Quiz rapide
Everything sounds great in _______, but we need to see how the customers react to the actual product.
Correct !
La bonne réponse est : theory
Exemples
I have a theory that my neighbor only mows his lawn when he sees me relaxing in the garden.
everydayI have a personal explanation that my neighbor mows his lawn specifically when I am relaxing.
The researchers proposed a new theory to account for the sudden shift in climate patterns.
formalThe researchers suggested a formal explanation for the abrupt change in climate.
My theory is he didn't show up because he's still mad about yesterday.
informalMy guess is that his absence is due to him being angry about yesterday.
Einstein's general theory of relativity revolutionized our understanding of space and time.
academicEinstein's scientific framework for relativity changed how we perceive space and time.
In theory, the new software should reduce processing time by half, though we need to run more tests.
businessAccording to the planned design, the software should be faster, but it is not yet proven.
Synonymes
Famille de mots
Collocations courantes
Phrases Courantes
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.
Souvent confondu avec
A hypothesis is a tentative starting point for investigation, while a theory is a comprehensive, often well-tested explanation.
Notes d'usage
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'.
Erreurs courantes
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.
Astuce mémo
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.
Origine du mot
From Late Latin 'theoria', originating from the Greek 'theōria', meaning 'contemplation, speculation, or a looking at'.
Modèles grammaticaux
Contexte culturel
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).
Quiz rapide
Everything sounds great in _______, but we need to see how the customers react to the actual product.
Correct !
La bonne réponse est : theory
Grammaire lie
Expressions liées
Vocabulaire associé
Mots lis
complement
A2A thing that completes or brings to perfection something else. In grammar, it refers to a word or phrase that follows a verb and provides more information about the subject or object.
compound
A2Describes something that is made of two or more separate parts or elements joined together. It is often used to talk about words, sentences, or chemical substances that have multiple components.
conceive
A2To form an idea, plan, or concept in the mind. It is also the medical term used to describe when a woman becomes pregnant.
confer
A2To discuss something with other people in order to reach a decision or exchange ideas. It can also mean to officially give an honor, title, or degree to someone.
conform
A2To behave according to rules, standards, or what is expected by a group of people. It means to fit in or act in a way that matches others.
consecutive
A2Following one after another in a continuous series without any breaks. It describes things that happen in a logical order, like numbers (1, 2, 3) or days (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday).
consistency
A2Consistency is the quality of always acting or behaving in the same way. it also describes how thick or smooth a liquid or substance is.
disclude
B1Describing a state where someone or something is left out, omitted, or not allowed to participate in a group or activity. It refers to the condition of being kept apart from a whole or a set.
antiformous
B1Describes a shape or structure that is curved or folded upwards like an arch. It is most often used in geology and geometry to describe a convex surface.
interspect
B1Describing a person who is thoughtful and focused on their own internal thoughts and feelings. It refers to the act of looking inward to examine one's own emotions and motives rather than focusing on external things.
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