theory English · revision 2716

+ {{infobox|confidence=established|formation=borrowing|attested=1592|origins=grc θεωρός}}

+

+ ==Pronunciation==

+ * IPA: UK /ˈθɪə.ri/, US /ˈθiː.ə.ri/^(Roach et al. 2011)

+

+ ==Etymology==

+ It is [[bor|la-lat|theōria]],^(Etymonline)^(Barnhart 1988)^(MWU 2024) used by Jerome,^(Etymonline) from [[grc|θεωρία|tr=theōría|t=contemplation, speculation; a looking at; a sight, spectacle]],^(Etymonline)^(Barnhart 1988)^(Klein 1966) from [[m|grc|θεωρεῖν|tr=theōreîn|t=to look at, consider, speculate]],^(Etymonline)^(Barnhart 1988) from [[m|grc|θεωρός|tr=theōrós|t=spectator]],^(Etymonline)^(Hoad 1986) from [[m|grc|θέα|tr=théa|t=a view]], the source of [[theater]], and [[m|grc|ὁρᾶν|tr=horân|t=to see]],^(Etymonline)^(Barnhart 1988) perhaps from [[ine-pro|*wer-|t=to perceive]], according to Watkins.^(Etymonline) Philosophy credits the development of the Greek word's sense to Pythagoras.^(Etymonline)

+

+ ==Earliest recorded meaning==

+ A conception or mental scheme of something to be done, or of the way to do it: 1592 in Merriam-Webster,^(MWU 2024) 1597 in the OED, in Hooker's ''Ecclesiastical Polity'',^(OED 1989)^(Barnhart 1988) and the 1590s in Etymonline.^(Etymonline)

+

+ ==Semantic evolution==

+ In the early 17th century the word also meant a sight or spectacle (1605) and mental view, contemplation, both now obsolete.^(OED 1989) The principles or methods of a science or art, as against its practice, is from 1613, in Cawdrey's ''Table Alphabeticall'',^(Barnhart 1988)^(OED 1989) as in ''music theory''.^(Etymonline) A system of ideas held as an explanation of a group of facts is from 1638,^(OED 1989) and a systematic statement of the principles of a branch of mathematics from 1799.^(OED 1989) The loose sense, “a hypothesis, a mere conjecture”, is from 1792.^(OED 1989) ''In theory'', as opposed to in practice, follows from the sense of abstract knowledge (1624).^(OED 1989)^(AHD) ''Theorist'' is from the 16th century and ''theorize'' from the 17th.^(Hoad 1986)

+

+ ==Timeline==

+ * 1592 – a mental scheme.^(MWU 2024)

+ * 1605 – a sight, spectacle.^(OED 1989)

+ * 1613 – the principles of a science or art.^(Barnhart 1988)^(OED 1989)

+ * 1638 – an explanatory system of ideas.^(OED 1989)

+ * 1792 – a hypothesis, conjecture.^(OED 1989)

+ * 1799 – the principles of a branch of mathematics.^(OED 1989)

+

+ ==Modern meaning==

+ ===Noun===

+ # A set of statements or principles that explains a group of facts or [[phenomenon|alt=phenomena]], especially one that has been tested and can be used to predict.^(AHD)^(MW Collegiate)

+ # The principles of an art or science, as distinct from its practice: ''music theory''.^(AHD)^(Etymonline)

+ # Abstract reasoning; [[speculation]].^(AHD)^(MW Collegiate)

+ # An assumption or [[hypothesis]]; a guess.^(AHD)^(OED 1989)

+ # In mathematics, a body of [[theorem|alt=theorems]] on a subject: ''number theory''.^(AHD)^(OED 1989)

+

+ ==Word family==

+ * [[theorist]]

+

+ ==Related words==

+ * [[theorem]]

+ * [[theoretical]]

+ * [[theorise]]

+ * [[theorize]]

+ * [[theater]]

+

+ ==Usage notes==

+ In science a ''theory'' is a well-tested explanation, while in ordinary use the word often means a mere guess.^(AHD)^(OED 1989) A separate ''theory'', in Greek history a group of envoys sent by a state to perform a religious rite, is from 1842.^(OED 1989)^(SOED 2002)

+

+ ==References==

+ {{reflist}}