Vocabulary Builder: theory

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theory (noun)

• Meaning: There are several related meanings for theory:

  • a group of statements used to explain something: Darwin's theory of evolution
  • a proposed (but not yet accepted) explanation
  • a particular view of how something is to be done: a theory of teaching
  • speculation: the theory of life on other planets

• Plural: theories

• Verb Forms: theorize, theorizes, theorized, theorizing 

• Other Noun Forms:

  • theorist (plural theorists): a person who theorizes

• Adjective Forms:

  • theoretical: in the manner of a theory: "She studies theoretical physics."

• Adverb Forms:

  • theoretically: this is sometimes used informally: "Since I paid for lunch last time, theoretically it's your turn."

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PRACTICE:

Place the correct form of "theory" in each sentence. Correct answers are in the first comment below.

1. theoretical
2. theoretically
3. theories
4. theorist
5. theorists
6. theorize
7. theorized
8. theorizes
9. theorizing
10. theory
1. Darwin ________ about evolution for many years before he published his book.
2. In fact, there were several ________ about evolution out there before Darwin devised his.
3. It's better not to ________ until you get all the facts.
4. I have a ________ about why we failed: we may need to change our strategy.
5. Let's not stop ________ until we arrive at a workable solution.
6. Because there will never be an eyewitness, anything we say about the earth's origins must be to some degree ________.
7. For every ________ who believes something, you can find another who believes the opposite.
8. When the professor ________, her students take notes!
9. Some ________ believe that aliens may already have visited us.
10. ________, the "four-minute mile" was considered impossible--until Roger Bannister did it in 1954.