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a tentative insight into the natural world
a concept that is not yet verified but that if true would explain certain facts or phenomena
e.g. a scientific hypothesis that survives experimental testing becomes a scientific theory
e.g. he proposed a fresh theory of alkalis that later was accepted in chemical practices
Synonym: hypothesis possibility
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a belief that can guide behavior
e.g. the architect has a theory that more is less
e.g. they killed him on the theory that dead men tell no tales
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a well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world
an organized system of accepted knowledge that applies in a variety of circumstances to explain a specific set of phenomena
e.g. theories can incorporate facts and laws and tested hypotheses
e.g. true in fact and theory