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Antonyms for theory


Grammar : Noun
Spell : thee-uh-ree, theer-ee
Phonetic Transcription : ˈθi ə ri, ˈθɪər i



Definition of theory

Origin :
  • 1590s, "conception, mental scheme," from Late Latin theoria (Jerome), from Greek theoria "contemplation, speculation, a looking at, things looked at," from theorein "to consider, speculate, look at," from theoros "spectator," from thea "a view" + horan "to see" (see warrant (n.)). Sense of "principles or methods of a science or art (rather than its practice)" is first recorded 1610s. That of "an explanation based on observation and reasoning" is from 1630s.
  • noun hypothesis, belief
Example sentences :
  • Here is one theory that swallows up and annihilates all others.
  • Extract from : « The Hall of Fantasy (From "Mosses From An Old Manse") » by Nathaniel Hawthorne
  • I thought him as true a representative of the people as ever theory could portray.
  • Extract from : « Biographical Sketches » by Nathaniel Hawthorne
  • But the interference must be regulated by some theory of the individual's rights.
  • Extract from : « A Treatise on Parents and Children » by George Bernard Shaw
  • It is time now, I think, to test my theory by considering the converse of it.
  • Extract from : « The Man Shakespeare » by Frank Harris
  • He keeps playing with action as an artist plays with a theory.
  • Extract from : « De Profundis » by Oscar Wilde
  • "I think that was carrying your theory a little too far," said the professor dubiously.
  • Extract from : « In the Midst of Alarms » by Robert Barr
  • The rest of my theory is embodied in the foregoing narrative.
  • Extract from : « The Penance of Magdalena and Other Tales of the California Missions » by J. Smeaton Chase
  • Fragments of knowledge came to him, but nothing on which to build a theory of what was wrong.
  • Extract from : « The Leopard Woman » by Stewart Edward White
  • She had come to believe almost his theory of the future, since it was not repugnant to her prejudices.
  • Extract from : « The Secret Agent » by Joseph Conrad
  • Half my theory proved just; that is saying a great deal for any theory.
  • Extract from : « Tales And Novels, Volume 3 (of 10) » by Maria Edgeworth

Synonyms for theory

Based on : Thesaurus.com - Gutenberg.org - Dictionary.com - Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019