theorize

i. [Eng. the or (y); -ize.] To form a theory or theories; to form opinions solely by theory; to indulge in theories; to speculate. the-o-riz-er, subst. [Eng. theoriz (e); -er.] One who theorizes; a theorist. the-ô-ry, *the-o-rie, s . [Fr. théorie , from Lat. theo Gr. the or i a=a beholding, contemplation, speculation; theōros =a spectator. Sp. & Ital. teoria .] [THEOREM.] I. Ordinary Language: IMG:content-0992.png:[blocks in formation] 4. The science distinguished from the art; the rules of an art, as distinguished from the practice; as, the theory and practice of medicine. II. Science: An explanation of phenomena which accounts for them so satisfactorily, that there is a high probability that the true cause of their occurrence has been pointed out. It is sometimes used in science in the same sense as hypothesis; and also in the law courts, when, for instance, in a murder case it is stated that "the theory of the prosecution is," that this or this occurred. More generally scientific men use the word to signify a hypothesis which has been established as, apparently, the true one. It is thus a stronger word than hypothesis, A theory is founded on principles which have been established on independent evidence. A hypothesis merely a umes the operation of a cause which would account for the phenomena, but has not evi dence that such cause was actually at work. Metaphysically, a theory is nothing more than a hypothesis supported by a large amount of probable evidence.