theory
the·o·ry / ˈ[unvoicedth]ēərē; ˈ[unvoicedth]i(ə)rē/ • n. (pl. -ries) a supposition or a system of ideas intended to explain something, esp. one based on general principles independent of the thing to be explained: Darwin's theory of evolution. ∎ a set of principles on which the practice of an activity is based: a theory of education | music theory. ∎ an idea used to account for a situation or justify a course of action: my theory would be that the place has been seriously mismanaged. ∎ Math. a collection of propositions to illustrate the principles of a subject.PHRASES: in theory used in describing what is supposed to happen or be possible, usually with the implication that it does not in fact happen: in theory, things can only get better; in practice, they may well become a lot worse.
