Skip to content
Philosophy & ThoughtGreekEnglish

Theory

A supposition explaining something, based on principles.

The Greek roots

θεωρία
theōría
contemplation, viewing

Literally: a looking at

Follow a root:θεωρία1 word

The story of the word

A theōrós was a spectator; theōría was contemplative 'viewing' of the truth behind appearances.

The same roots elsewhere

Other languages reached for exactly the same Greek pieces.

In a sentence

Her theory neatly explained the strange results.

More from Philosophy & Thought