French word

théorie

Pronunciation

IPA/teoʁi/

Meaning

  • feminine nountheory

Example

C'est juste une théorie.

It's just a theory.

Illustration for théorie (theory)

More examples

Sa théorie explique le phénomène.

His theory explains the phenomenon.

Core concept

A lens built from observation and reasoning, used to organize facts into an explanation or argued interpretation.

Common phrases

  • une théorie

    a theory

  • la théorie du complot

    the conspiracy theory

  • formuler une théorie

    formulate a theory

Similar words

idée: A basic thought about something or a new notion that comes to mind.
hypothèse: A proposed explanation based on observations that can later be tested.
opinion: A personal view or judgment about a particular matter.

Definition in French

Ensemble d'idées et de principes organisés servant à expliquer ou interpréter un phénomène; peut aussi désigner une hypothèse ou un point de vue argumenté.

Word origin

The word traces back to Greek theōria through Latin theoria and Old French, retaining the link between observation and an explanatory system.

Usage tips

  • In ordinary conversation, théorie can mark a claim as unconfirmed, while scientific contexts often use it for a well-supported explanatory system.

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word