scientific theory
Americannoun
Usage
What is a scientific theory? A scientific theory is a well-tested, broad explanation of a natural phenomenon.In everyday life, we often use the word theory to mean a hypothesis or educated guess, but a theory in the context of science is not simply a guess—it is an explanation based on extensive and repeated experimentation. And it’s not the job of theories to become facts—they use available facts to make sense of a broad concept.Scientific theories explain some of the most familiar and complex phenomena. A few of the best-known scientific theories are the theory of gravity, the theory of evolution, and the theory of relativity.
Etymology
Origin of scientific theory
First recorded in 1755–65
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.
This is especially true for quantum field theory and the Standard Model of Particle Physics, which is the most thoroughly tested scientific theory ever created and has passed experimental checks with extraordinary precision.
From Science Daily • Jan. 8, 2026
His conviction was based on testimony that she died from “shaken baby syndrome,” a now largely discredited scientific theory.
From Slate • Oct. 18, 2024
The NSS has written to the Welsh government requesting that new guidance be issued prohibiting the promotion or teaching of creationism as an alternative scientific theory.
From BBC • Jun. 18, 2024
Intelligent design is overwhelmingly regarded as a religious belief by the scientific community and not a scientific theory.
From Seattle Times • Mar. 9, 2024
But according to the approach I described in Chapter 1, a scientific theory is just a mathematical model we make to describe our observations: it exists only in our minds.
From "A Brief History of Time: And Other Essays" by Stephen Hawking
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.
