Theory - Definition
theory
n 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" [syn: hypothesis, possibility,
theory]
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"