theory

A tentative insight into the natural world; a concept that is not yet verified but that if true would explain certain facts or phenomena.

“a scientific hypothesis that survives experimental testing becomes a scientific theory”

“he proposed a fresh theory of alkalis that later was accepted in chemical practices”

A belief that can guide behavior.

“the architect has a theory that more is less”

“they killed him on the theory that dead men tell no tales”

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.

“true in fact and theory”