théorème

Forms

théorème m (plural théorèmes)^[1]

Etymology

It is borrowed from Latin theōrēma (“proposition, theorem”), a word of imperial Latin.^[2][3][4][5] Bloch and Wartburg call it late Latin.^[6] The Latin word is taken from Ancient Greek θεώρημα (theṓrēma, “what can be contemplated, object of study”), whence “principle” and “demonstrable proposition”,^[3][4][6] from θεωρέω (theōréō, “to observe, contemplate”),^[2][3] itself from θεωρός (theōrós, “spectator”).^[4] It belongs to the same family as théorie.^[3][7]

Earliest recorded meaning

Jean Canappe uses it in 1539 for a scientific proposition made evident by a demonstration;^[2] the Grand Robert and the GLLF date the first record to 1538.^[8][4]

Semantic evolution

The word was first used in logic for a proposition that is to be demonstrated, then from 1585 in mathematics, in contrast with postulat, axiome and définition; from 1767 it is also found in the human sciences.^[3] Littré records the geometrical term théorème local, a proposition stating a property common to every point of a given line.^[7] In the 20th century philosophers also used it for any statement deduced logically from explicit facts or justifiable hypotheses (1930 in the TLFi, 1947 in Lalande according to the GLLF).^[2][4]

Timeline

• 1539 – Jean Canappe uses it of a proposition proved by demonstration.^[2][3]
• 1585 – First used in mathematics.^[3]
• 1767 – First used in the human sciences.^[3]
• 1901 – The adjective théorématique is borrowed from Greek.^[3]
• 1930 – Ruyer uses it of a proposition deduced logically from explicit facts.^[2]

Meanings

Noun

1. (mathematics, logic) A proposition that can be proved by reasoning from other propositions already laid down, as opposed to an axiome or a postulat; a theorem: le théorème de Pythagore.^[9][2][4]
2. (logic, philosophy) A statement deduced logically from explicit facts or justifiable hypotheses.^[2][4]

Word family

• théorématique

Related words

• théorie
• théorique
• Latin theōrēma
• Ancient Greek θεώρημα (theṓrēma)

References

1. ^ a b Wiktionary, the free dictionary, https://en.wiktionary.org
2. ^ a b c d e f g h Trésor de la langue française informatisé (2004), ATILF – CNRS & Université de Lorraine, atilf.fr/tlfi; electronic version of Imbs, Paul; Quemada, Bernard, eds. (1971–1994), Trésor de la langue française, Paris: CNRS / Gallimard
3. ^ a b c d e f g h i Rey, Alain, ed. (1992), Dictionnaire historique de la langue française, Paris: Le Robert
4. ^ a b c d e f g Guilbert, Louis; Lagane, René; Niobey, Georges, eds. (1971–1978; 1989), Grand Larousse de la langue française, Paris: Larousse
5. ^ Wartburg, Walther von, et al. (1922–2002), Französisches Etymologisches Wörterbuch, 25 vols., Bonn / Leipzig / Basel: Klopp / Teubner / Zbinden, p. 13/1, 305b
6. ^ a b Bloch, Oscar; Wartburg, Walther von (1989), Dictionnaire étymologique de la langue française, 8th ed., Paris: Presses universitaires de France
7. ^ a b Littré, Émile (1873–1877), Dictionnaire de la langue française, 4 vols. and supplement, Paris: Hachette
8. ^ Rey, Alain, ed. (2005), Le Grand Robert de la langue française, electronic version, Paris: Le Robert
9. ^ Rey-Debove, Josette; Rey, Alain, eds. (2007), Le Petit Robert de la langue française, Paris: Le Robert