theorize

[ thee-uh-rahyz, theer-ahyz ]

verb (used without object)

, the·o·rized, the·o·riz·ing.

1. to form a theory or theories.

verb (used with object)

, the·o·rized, the·o·riz·ing.

1. to form a theory or theories about.

theorize

/ ˈθɪəˌraɪz /

verb

1. intr to produce or use theories; speculate

Derived Forms

• ˌtheoriˈzation, noun
• ˈtheoˌrizer, noun

Other Words From

• theo·ri·zation noun
• theo·rizer noun
• over·theo·ri·zation noun
• over·theo·rize verb (used without object) overtheorized overtheorizing

Word History and Origins

Origin of theorize¹

From the Medieval Latin word theōrizāre, dating back to 1630–40. See theory, -ize

Example Sentences

In one study of Dutch vacationers, researchers theorized that the building anticipation we experience when sketching out itineraries and scrounging for hotel deals was the source of this pre-trip euphoria.

From Popular-Science

He theorized this could be attributed to the higher propensity for take out and ordering in meals in urban areas.

From Digiday

Wood, the Polkadot founder, believes his megaproject is different because he has a track record of building actual products—rather than just theorizing about them.

From Fortune

Some researchers have theorized that inconsistences in data for colds may be explained by varying amounts of zinc released in different lozenges.

From Science News

Further, a dermatologist and known fungal expert at Guy’s Hospital in London has theorized that moldering books could induce enough mental weirdness to have inspired some of literature’s best works.

From Popular-Science

The Arizona bloodbath apparently stemmed from a domestic dispute, police theorize.

From The Daily Beast

They theorize, however, that it may bring out the disease's symptoms early in young people who are genetically predisposed to it.

From The Daily Beast

Some theorize the 51-year-old Kennedy was in the grip of a midlife crisis.

From The Daily Beast

Yet we do know what happens, even if we do just theorize about why.

From Project Gutenberg

One may theorize as to its origin, but there is no historical identification of it either in epoch or by country or people.

From Project Gutenberg

To modern psychology the mind is something to be used, not merely something about which to speculate and theorize.

From Project Gutenberg

Plato shows that he is aware of the embarrassments: yet he is content to theorize as if they did not exist.

From Project Gutenberg

Where men could do little more than theorize in these matters, women were able easily and effectively to act.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• speculate