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theory

The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English | 2009 | © The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English 2009, originally published by Oxford University Press 2009. (Hide copyright information) Copyright

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.

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theory

A Dictionary of Computing | 2004 | | Â© A Dictionary of Computing 2004, originally published by Oxford University Press 2004. (Hide copyright information) Copyright

theory In logic, a set of sentences that are true under a particular interpretation.

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JOHN DAINTITH. "theory." A Dictionary of Computing. 2004. Encyclopedia.com. 28 Nov. 2009 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

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theory

The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology | 1996 | | Â© The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology 1996, originally published by Oxford University Press 1996. (Hide copyright information) Copyright

theory mental conception, scheme of thought. XVI. — late L. theōria — Gr. theōríā contemplation, speculation, sight. f. theōrós spectator, f. thea- base of theâsthai look upon, contemplate.
So theorize XVII. — medL. theōrizāre. Hence theorist XVI.

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T. F. HOAD. "theory." The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology. 1996. Encyclopedia.com. 28 Nov. 2009 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

T. F. HOAD. "theory." The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology. 1996. Encyclopedia.com. (November 28, 2009). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O27-theory.html

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