theorize
Americanverb (used without object)
verb (used with object)
verb
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of theorize
From the Medieval Latin word theōrizāre, dating back to 1630–40. See theory, -ize
Explanation
When you theorize, you come up with an explanation for how something happens, based on ideas that can be tested. You may theorize that your dog is afraid of loud noises after you see her cower under the bed during fireworks and thunderstorms. When someone theorizes, they're not just making a wild guess. They're forming a theory, or a testable explanation that they can confirm through experimentation. After a scientist theorizes and the theory sticks around and is tested again and again in a rigorous way, it becomes an "established theory," like the theory of gravity or plate tectonics theory. The Greek root theorein means "to consider, speculate, or look at."
Vocabulary lists containing theorize
Think Tank: Thought-Provoking Vocabulary
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The Martian Chronicles
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Tracking Trash
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Theorize about it as much as you like, account for it how you may, the fact remains.
From In the Name of the Bodleian and Other Essays by Birrell, Augustine
Theorize as we may, there was certainly in our camp an average tone of propriety which all visitors noticed, and which was not created, but only preserved by discipline.
From Army Life in a Black Regiment by Higginson, Thomas Wentworth
Theorize as we may, the fact is that there is no kind of work in America which brings such sure profits as public speaking.
From Women and the Alphabet A Series of Essays by Higginson, Thomas Wentworth
Theorize about it as we may, it is a great popular classic, which has exerted an enormous educative influence and proves how thoroughly its author knew the heart of the German people.
From The Life and Works of Friedrich Schiller by Thomas, Calvin
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
