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Definition of theory noun from the Oxford Advanced American Dictionary

        

    theory

     noun
    noun
    NAmE//ˈθɪri//
     
    , NAmE//ˈθiəri//
     
    (pl. theories)
     
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  1. 1[countable, uncountable] a formal set of ideas that is intended to explain why something happens or exists According to the theory of relativity, nothing can travel faster than light. The debate is centered around two conflicting theories. Topic CollocationsScientific Researchtheory
    • formulate/advance a theory/hypothesis
    • build/construct/create/develop a simple/theoretical/mathematical model
    • develop/establish/provide/use a theoretical/conceptual framework/an algorithm
    • advance/argue/develop the thesis that…
    • explore an idea/a concept/a hypothesis
    • make a prediction/an inference
    • base a prediction/your calculations on something
    • investigate/evaluate/accept/challenge/reject a theory/hypothesis/model
    experiment
    • design an experiment/a questionnaire/a study/a test
    • do research/an experiment/an analysis
    • make observations/calculations
    • take/record measurements
    • carry out/conduct/perform an experiment/a test/a longitudinal study/observations/clinical trials
    • run an experiment/a simulation/clinical trials
    • repeat an experiment/a test/an analysis
    • replicate a study/the results/the findings
    • observe/study/examine/investigate/assess a pattern/a process/a behavior
    • fund/support the research/project/study
    • seek/provide/get/secure funding for research
    results
    • collect/gather/extract data/information
    • yield data/evidence/similar findings/the same results
    • analyze/examine the data/soil samples/a specimen
    • consider/compare/interpret the results/findings
    • fit the data/model
    • confirm/support/verify a prediction/a hypothesis/the results/the findings
    • prove a conjecture/hypothesis/theorem
    • draw/make/reach the same conclusions
    • read/review the records/literature
    • describe/report an experiment/a study
    • present/publish/summarize the results/findings
    • present/publish/read/review/cite a paper in a scientific journal
  2. 2[uncountable] the principles on which a particular subject is based the theory and practice of language teaching literary theory
  3. 3[countable] theory (that…) an opinion or idea that someone believes is true but that is not proved I have this theory that most people prefer being at work to being at home.
    4. AWL Collocationstheorytheory noun
    • develop, formulate
    • advance, expound, propound
    • disprove, refute
    • support
    • test
    In this study, the empirical data do not support current theories. New facts and observations test established theories.
    • hypothesize, posit, postulate, predict, suggest
    The theory posits that some character types are better prepared for the challenges of being president. The results of our experiment aligned very closely with that predicted by theory.
    • economic, literary, political, scientific, social
    In economic theory, when there is more competition prices are lower.
    • based on
    Based on the theory developed in this paper, it is predicted that..theoretical adjective
    • highly
    • largely
    • merely, purely
    Although some purely theoretical work has been done, there is a need for empirical research.
    • concept, construct, framework, model
    • approach, perspective
    • prediction
    • study
    The next section outlines the theoretical framework and reviews the prior literature.theoretically adverb
    • defensible, informed, sound
    • unsound
    These scientific hypotheses have to be logically and theoretically defensible.    Idioms
    in theory
     
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    used to say that a particular statement is supposed to be true but may in fact be wrong In theory, these machines should last for ten years or more. That sounds fine in theory, but have you really thought it through? “Aren't you supposed to be retired?” “Yes, in theory.”
See theory in the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary
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