theorize

[thee-uh-rahyz, theer-ahyz]

See more synonyms for theorize on Thesaurus.com

verb (used without object), the·o·rized, the·o·riz·ing.

to form a theory or theories.

verb (used with object), the·o·rized, the·o·riz·ing.

to form a theory or theories about.

Also especially British, the·o·rise.

Origin of theorize

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

Related formsthe·o·ri·za·tion, nounthe·o·riz·er, nouno·ver·the·o·ri·za·tion, nouno·ver·the·o·rize, verb (used without object), o·ver·the·o·rized, o·ver·the·o·riz·ing.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Related Words for theorize

speculate, conjecture, formulate, suggest, guess, submit, project, suppose, propound, think

Examples from the Web for theorize

Contemporary Examples of theorize

They theorize, however, that it may bring out the disease's symptoms early in young people who are genetically predisposed to it.
Bullying's Hidden Danger
Tim Murphy
June 1, 2009
Some theorize the 51-year-old Kennedy was in the grip of a midlife crisis.
The Real Reasons Caroline Didn't Make It
Tucker Carlson
January 23, 2009

Historical Examples of theorize

It is a capital mistake to theorize in advance of the facts.
The Return of Sherlock Holmes
Arthur Conan Doyle
Yet we do know what happens, even if we do just theorize about why.
Sense from Thought Divide
Mark Irvin Clifton
Men may theorize and speculate about their plans in America.
The Journal of Negro History, Volume 7, 1922
Various
But it is not enough to theorize merely; there must be experiment and practice.
History of Education
Levi Seeley
It may theorize, but never dogmatize, and it must demonstrate at every step.
The New Avatar and The Destiny of the Soul
Jirah D. Buck

British Dictionary definitions for theorize

theorize

theorise

verb

(intr) to produce or use theories; speculate

Derived Formstheorization or theorisation, nountheorizer or theoriser, noun

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for theorize

1630s, perhaps a formation in English from theory + -ize. Related: Theorized; theorizing.