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theorem

n. countable
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈθɪɹəm// UK //θˈiəɹəm// the·o·rem Dialect Informal

n. a mathematical statement that has been proven to be true using logic and other facts.

n. a mathematical statement or proposition that has been established as true through a rigorous logical proof based on previously accepted axioms or other proven statements.


SIMPLE

The teacher explained the Pythagorean theorem in class today.

CONTEXTUAL

After years of research, the mathematician finally published a complete proof for the new theorem.

COMPLEX

While a conjecture is merely a hypothesis that appears likely to be true, a theorem requires a formal demonstration of its validity within a specific logical framework.

Origin

From Middle French théorème, from Late Latin theōrēma, from Ancient Greek θεώρημα (theṓrēma, “speculation, proposition to be proved”) (Euclid), from θεωρέω (theōréō, “I look at, view, consider, examine”), from θεωρός (theōrós, “spectator”), from θέα (théa, “a view”) + ὁράω (horáō, “I see, look”). See also theory, and theater.

Usage

Commonly paired with the verbs 'prove', 'state', or 'demonstrate'.

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