Definition of “Theory”

Theory (noun):

1. A System of Ideas: A set of principles or ideas intended to explain something, especially one based on general principles independent of the thing to be explained.
   • Example: “Einstein’s theory of relativity revolutionized our understanding of physics.”
2. Proposed Explanation: An explanation or hypothesis that is based on observation, experimentation, and reasoning but not yet confirmed or universally accepted.
   • Example: “The theory of evolution is supported by extensive scientific evidence but is still debated by some.”
3. Conceptual Framework: A theoretical framework or model that provides a structured way to understand and analyze a particular phenomenon.
   • Example: “The social learning theory suggests that people learn behaviors through observation and imitation.”
4. Academic Discipline: In academia, a theory often refers to the body of knowledge or principles within a specific field of study.
   • Example: “In psychology, cognitive theory explores how people perceive, think, and understand.”
5. Speculative Idea: An idea or conjecture that is not necessarily based on concrete evidence but is used to explore possibilities.
   • Example: “The theory that aliens built the pyramids is not supported by credible evidence.”

Prepositions Used with “Theory”

• Theory of: Refers to the specific subject or field that the theory addresses.
  • Example: “The theory of gravity explains the force that attracts objects toward one another.”
• Theory about: Refers to a theory regarding a particular topic or issue.
  • Example: “The theory about the origin of the universe is known as the Big Bang theory.”
• Theory on: Refers to a theory related to a particular aspect or topic within a broader subject.
  • Example: “The theory on market behavior helps economists predict financial trends.”
• Theory for: Refers to a theory proposed as a solution or explanation for a particular problem.
  • Example: “The theory for the high dropout rate includes various social and economic factors.”

Collocations with “Theory”

• Scientific theory: A well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world based on evidence.
• Theory of relativity: Einstein’s theory that describes the relationship between space and time.
• Theory of evolution: The scientific theory explaining the diversity of life through natural selection.
• Economic theory: A theory that deals with the principles and concepts underlying economic behavior.
• Psychological theory: Theories concerning mental processes and behavior.
• Theory and practice: The contrast between theoretical knowledge and practical application.
• Grand theory: A broad, comprehensive theory that covers a wide range of phenomena.

Example Sentences

1. The theory of relativity fundamentally changed our understanding of space and time.
2. She proposed a new theory about the cause of the economic downturn.
3. The theory of evolution provides a framework for understanding the diversity of life on Earth.
4. According to the theory of cognitive dissonance, people experience psychological discomfort when holding conflicting beliefs.
5. The theory that suggests the universe began with a Big Bang is widely accepted among scientists.
6. His research supports the theory that social media usage affects mental health.
7. The theory of plate tectonics explains the movement of Earth’s lithospheric plates.
8. They tested the theory with a series of experiments and observations.
9. The theory of multiple intelligences proposes that people have various types of intellectual strengths.
10. The economic theory of supply and demand describes how prices are determined in a market economy.
11. She is working on a theory that could revolutionize the way we approach renewable energy.
12. The theory of gravity was first articulated by Sir Isaac Newton in the 17th century.
13. His theory about the origin of life remains speculative and controversial.
14. The psychological theory of attachment explores how early relationships affect adult behavior.
15. The theory of evolution by natural selection was first proposed by Charles Darwin.
16. The scientist developed a theory to explain the mysterious patterns observed in the data.
17. The theory of general relativity extends the principles of relativity to include gravity.
18. They debated the merits of different theories regarding human consciousness.
19. The theory of operant conditioning explains how behaviors are learned through rewards and punishments.
20. The theory that suggests humans are driven by unconscious desires was popularized by Freud.
21. The theory of constraints focuses on identifying and addressing bottlenecks in production processes.
22. The theory of the social contract explores the legitimacy of government authority.
23. Her theory on climate change is based on extensive data analysis and modeling.
24. The theory of natural selection posits that organisms best adapted to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce.
25. The team examined various theories to determine the cause of the phenomenon.
26. The theory of evolutionary psychology seeks to understand the human mind through the lens of evolution.
27. His theory about the effectiveness of different teaching methods is supported by recent research.
28. The theory of special relativity addresses objects moving at constant speeds close to the speed of light.
29. The theory behind market equilibrium is essential for understanding economic principles.
30. They applied the theory of elasticity to analyze how changes in price affect demand.
31. The theory of relative deprivation explains how individuals assess their well-being relative to others.
32. The theory of planned behavior predicts how attitudes and perceived control influence intentions and actions.
33. The new theory challenges existing beliefs about the nature of dark matter.
34. The theory of punctuated equilibrium suggests that evolution occurs in rapid bursts rather than gradually.
35. He presented a theory on how human behavior is influenced by genetics and environment.
36. The theory of kinetic energy relates to the motion and energy of objects.
37. Her theory about the role of intuition in decision-making has garnered significant interest.
38. The theory of habituation describes how organisms become accustomed to repeated stimuli.
39. The theory of knowledge addresses the nature and scope of knowledge and belief.
40. They compared the classical theory with modern interpretations to understand its evolution.
41. The theory of narrative identity explores how individuals construct their personal identities through stories.
42. The theory of quantum mechanics explains the behavior of particles at the atomic and subatomic levels.
43. His theory on leadership styles has influenced management practices in various industries.
44. The theory of social learning emphasizes the role of observation and imitation in behavior development.
45. The historical theory about the rise and fall of civilizations examines long-term societal trends.
46. The theory of emotional intelligence posits that understanding and managing emotions enhances interpersonal skills.
47. She is developing a theory on the impact of urbanization on biodiversity.
48. The theory of thermodynamics deals with heat and energy transfer.
49. The theory of structuralism analyzes cultural phenomena in terms of underlying structures.
50. The new theory on cognitive development challenges traditional views on how children learn and grow.