theory
An idea that explains why things happen, based on facts and study.
A well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural or social world, based on a body of evidence and reasoning.
An idea or set of rules about how something works or should work.
A set of general ideas or principles intended to explain or guide how something works or should be done, not necessarily proven.
A guess or idea that might explain something, but is not certain.
An idea or guess about something that may explain it, but is not yet proven.
- Base: theory
- Plural: theories, theory
conspiracy theory
1belief about secret harmful plot
An explanation of an event that says a secret group planned it for a bad reason, usually without good proof.
- Some people believe the moon landing was a conspiracy theory.
- The internet has made it easier for conspiracy theory videos to reach millions of people.
- The internet has made it easier for conspiracy theories to spread.
- He dismissed the idea that the vaccine is a government plot as a wild conspiracy theory.
- Some conspiracy theory communities moved to new platforms after being banned.
in theory
1According to ideas or plans
When something should happen based on ideas or plans, but it might not happen in real life.
- In theory, this method should work every time.
- In theory, the plan should work perfectly.
- In theory, anyone can apply for the job, but few are qualified.
- In theory, anyone can apply for the job, but in practice it’s very competitive.
in theory
2according to theory, not practice
According to ideas or rules of how something should work, not necessarily how it really works.
- In theory, the new law will reduce traffic, but many people doubt it.
- The plan sounds perfect in theory, but it will be hard to carry out.
- In theory, children learn faster with smaller classes.