theory
noun
ˈθɪəri 
ˈθɪri ˈθiːəri 
1 [countable, uncountable] a formal set of ideas that is intended to explain why something happens or existsAccording to the theory of relativity, nothing can travel faster than light.The debate is centred around two conflicting theories.2 [uncountable] the principles on which a particular subject is basedthe theory and practice of language teachingliterary theory3 [countable] theory (that…) an opinion or idea that somebody believes is true but that is not provedI have this theory that most people prefer being at work to being at home.Idioms
in theory
used to say that a particular statement is supposed to be true but may in fact be wrong
In theory, these machines should last for ten years or more.That sounds fine in theory, but have you really thought it through?‘Aren't you supposed to be retired?’ ‘Yes, in theory.’
Usage note: Scientific researchTheoryformulate/advance a theory/hypothesisbuild/construct/create/develop a simple/theoretical/mathematical modeldevelop/establish/provide/use a theoretical/conceptual frameworkadvance/argue/develop the thesis that…explore an idea/a concept/a hypothesismake a prediction/an inferencebase a prediction/your calculations on somethinginvestigate/evaluate/accept/challenge/reject a theory/hypothesis/modelExperimentdesign an experiment/a questionnaire/a study/a testdo research/an experiment/an analysismake observations/measurements/calculationscarry out/conduct/perform an experiment/a test/a longitudinal study/observations/clinical trialsrun an experiment/a simulation/clinical trialsrepeat an experiment/a test/an analysisreplicate a study/the results/the findingsobserve/study/examine/investigate/assess a pattern/a process/a behaviour/(especially US) a behaviorfund/support the research/project/studyseek/provide/get/secure funding for researchResultscollect/gather/extract data/informationyield data/evidence/similar findings/the same resultsanalyse/examine the data/soil samples/a specimenconsider/compare/interpret the results/findingsfit the data/modelconfirm/support/verify a prediction/a hypothesis/the results/the findingsprove a conjecture/hypothesis/theoremdraw/make/reach the same conclusionsread/review the records/literaturedescribe/report an experiment/a studypresent/publish/summarize the results/findingspresent/publish/read/review/cite a paper in a scientific journal