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WordBand 4.5–5.5Core (NGSL)
theory
/ˈθiːəɹi/
noun
idea or set of ideas that try to explain facts or events
- “There's a great difference between a theory and an idea.”Tatoeba
- “Theory is based on practice and, in turn, serves practice.”Tatoeba
Sentences from Tatoeba show real usage. A word can have several meanings, so a sentence may use another one.
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cumulativeadjectiveGrowing larger as more is added over time.
microscopenounA device with lenses that makes tiny things look much bigger.
substantiateverbTo prove that a claim is true by giving evidence.
saturationnounThe point at which no more can be taken in.
steepadjectiveRising or falling at a sharp angle.
hypothesisnounAn idea that is suggested to explain something and that can be tested.
forensicadjectiveUsing scientific methods to find evidence for a legal case.
reliableadjectiveAble to be trusted to be accurate or to work well.
Source: New General Service List (Browne, Culligan & Phillips) (CC BY-SA 4.0); Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 3.0); Tatoeba (CC BY 2.0 FR)