theory

• Idée formelle ou ensemble d'idées visant à expliquer un phénomène, souvent étayé par des preuves et utilisé pour faire des prédictions ; également, ensemble de principes ou d'hypothèses dans un domaine de connaissance.

A noun referring to a formal idea or set of ideas that explains something, often supported by evidence and used to make predictions.

1. System of ideasB1formal

   A formal set of principles or ideas that explains facts or phenomena.

   Théorie (système d'idées)

   • Einstein's theory of relativity changed physics.
   • The theory explains how climate change affects oceans.
   • Scientists tested the theory through experiments.

   Synonymesdoctrineframeworkideologymodelphilosophysystem

   Antonymesfactpracticereality

2. Unproven ideaA2informal

   An idea or opinion that is not yet proven or supported by evidence.

   Théorie (hypothèse non prouvée)

   • That's just a theory; we need proof.
   • My theory is that he forgot the meeting.
   • She has a theory about why the team lost.

   Synonymesconjectureguesshunchhypothesisnotionpostulatespeculationsupposition

   Antonymescertaintyfact

3. Scientific explanationB2formalscientific

   A well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world.

   Théorie scientifique

   • The theory of evolution is widely accepted.
   • Quantum theory revolutionized our understanding of matter.
   • Darwin's theory was based on extensive observations.

   Synonymesaccountexplanationframeworkmodelsystem