Hypothesis vs. Theory
Difference Between Hypothesis and Theory
Hypothesisnoun
A tentative explanation for an observation, phenomenon, or scientific problem that can be tested by further investigation.
Theorynoun
A set of statements or principles devised to explain a group of facts or phenomena, especially one that has been repeatedly tested or is widely accepted and can be used to make predictions about natural phenomena.
Hypothesisnoun
Something taken to be true for the purpose of argument or investigation; an assumption.
Theorynoun
The branch of a science or art consisting of its explanatory statements, accepted principles, and methods of analysis, as opposed to practice
a fine musician who had never studied theory.Hypothesisnoun
The antecedent of a conditional statement.
Theorynoun
A set of theorems that constitute a systematic view of a branch of mathematics.
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.
Theorynoun
Abstract reasoning; speculation
a decision based on experience rather than theory.Hypothesisnoun
(general) An assumption taken to be true for the purpose of argument or investigation.
Theorynoun
A belief or principle that guides action or assists comprehension or judgment
staked out the house on the theory that criminals usually return to the scene of the crime.Hypothesisnoun
(grammar) The antecedent of a conditional statement.
Theorynoun
An assumption based on limited information or knowledge; a conjecture.
Hypothesisnoun
a proposal intended to explain certain facts or observations
Theorynoun
(obsolete) Mental conception; reflection, consideration.
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;
a scientific hypothesis that survives experimental testing becomes a scientific theoryhe proposed a fresh theory of alkalis that later was accepted in chemical practicesTheorynoun
(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.
Hypothesisnoun
a message expressing an opinion based on incomplete evidence
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.
Knot theory classifies the mappings of a circle into 3-space.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).
A theory is consistent if it has a model.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;
theories can incorporate facts and laws and tested hypothesestrue in fact and theoryTheorynoun
a tentative theory about 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 theoryhe proposed a fresh theory of alkalis that later was accepted in chemical practicesTheorynoun
a belief that can guide behavior;
the architect has a theory that more is lessthey killed him on the theory that dead men tell no tales
