ENGLISH
REFERENCE

theories

n. countable
B1 Intermediate US //ˈθiɝiz// UK //θˈiəɹɪz// the·o·ries

n. ideas or explanations that try to show how something works or why something happens. They are often based on evidence but are not yet proven to be 100% true.

n. sets of principles or ideas intended to explain a group of facts or phenomena. Often used to describe scientific frameworks or speculative explanations for events.


SIMPLE

Scientists have several theories about how the universe began.

CONTEXTUAL

The detective spent the afternoon testing different theories about how the thief entered the locked room.

COMPLEX

While many competing theories exist regarding the shift in consumer behavior, most economists agree that the rise of digital platforms played a decisive role in the market's transformation.

Synonyms
Usage

Plural form of 'theory'; often used with the verbs 'propose', 'test', or 'disprove'.

Pitfall

I have a theoriesI have a theoryLearners sometimes use the plural 'theories' when referring to a single idea because they see the plural form frequently in academic contexts.

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