Hypothesis vs. Theory
Hypothesisnoun
(sciences) Used loosely, a tentative conjecture explaining an observation, phenomenon or scientific problem that can be tested by further observation, investigation and/or experimentation. As a scientific term of art, see the attached quotation. Compare to theory, and quotation given there.
Hypothesisnoun
(general) An assumption taken to be true for the purpose of argument or investigation.
Hypothesisnoun
(grammar) The antecedent of a conditional statement.
Hypothesisnoun
A supposition; a proposition or principle which is supposed or taken for granted, in order to draw a conclusion or inference for proof of the point in question; something not proved, but assumed for the purpose of argument, or to account for a fact or an occurrence; as, the hypothesis that head winds detain an overdue steamer.
Hypothesisnoun
A tentative theory or supposition provisionally adopted to explain certain facts, and to guide in the investigation of others; hence, frequently called a working hypothesis.
Hypothesisnoun
a proposal intended to explain certain facts or observations
Hypothesisnoun
a tentative theory about the natural world; a concept that is not yet verified but that if true would explain certain facts or phenomena;
Hypothesisnoun
a message expressing an opinion based on incomplete evidence
Hypothesis
A hypothesis (plural hypotheses) is a proposed explanation for a phenomenon. For a hypothesis to be a scientific hypothesis, the scientific method requires that one can test it.
Theorynoun
(obsolete) Mental conception; reflection, consideration.
Theorynoun
(sciences) A coherent statement or set of ideas that explains observed facts or phenomena and correctly predicts new facts or phenomena not previously observed, or which sets out the laws and principles of something known or observed; a hypothesis confirmed by observation, experiment etc.
Theorynoun
(uncountable) The underlying principles or methods of a given technical skill, art etc., as opposed to its practice.
Theorynoun
(mathematics) A field of study attempting to exhaustively describe a particular class of constructs.
Theorynoun
A hypothesis or conjecture.
Theorynoun
A set of axioms together with all statements derivable from them. Equivalently, a formal language plus a set of axioms (from which can then be derived theorems).
Theorynoun
A doctrine, or scheme of things, which terminates in speculation or contemplation, without a view to practice; hypothesis; speculation.
Theorynoun
An exposition of the general or abstract principles of any science; as, the theory of music.
Theorynoun
The science, as distinguished from the art; as, the theory and practice of medicine.
Theorynoun
The philosophical explanation of phenomena, either physical or moral; as, Lavoisier's theory of combustion; Adam Smith's theory of moral sentiments.
Theorynoun
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;
Theorynoun
a tentative theory about the natural world; a concept that is not yet verified but that if true would explain certain facts or phenomena;
Theorynoun
a belief that can guide behavior;
Theory
A theory is a rational type of abstract thinking about a phenomenon, or the results of such thinking. The process of contemplative and rational thinking is often associated with such processes as observational study or research.
