11 entries found for theory. The first 10 are listed below.
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Main Entry: the·o·ry
Pronunciation: th--r, thi(-)r-
Function: noun
Inflected Form(s): plural -ries
Etymology: from Latin theoria "a looking at or considering of facts, theory," from Greek theria "theory, action of viewing, consideration," from therein "to look at, consider," --related to THEATER 1: the general ideas or principles of an art or science <music theory> 2: a general principle or set of principles that explains facts or events of the natural world <wave theory of light> 3: a belief, policy, or procedure proposed or followed as the basis of action <her method is based on the theory that all dogs can be trained> b: an ideal set of facts, principles, or circumstances -- often used in the phrase in theory <in theory, everyone can receive a score of 100 on the test> 4: an idea that is the starting point for argument or investigation <the theory of relativity>