theories

'theories'

[theory.n.01] as in: a well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world; an organized system of accepted knowledge that applies in a variety of circumstances to explain a specific set of phenomena

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Examples:
theories can incorporate facts and laws and tested hypotheses
true in fact and theory

'theories'

[hypothesis.n.02] as in: a tentative insight into the natural world; a concept that is not yet verified but that if true would explain certain facts or phenomena

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Examples:
a scientific hypothesis that survives experimental testing becomes a scientific theory
he proposed a fresh theory of alkalis that later was accepted in chemical practices

'theories'

[theory.n.03] as in: a belief that can guide behavior

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Examples:
the architect has a theory that more is less
they killed him on the theory that dead men tell no tales