theories

IPA/ˈθɪə.ri/
KK[θˈɪriz]IPA/ˈθɪr.i/

theories — noun

  • theoriessingular
  • theoriesesplural

1. sets of connected ideas used to explain why something happens, especially in sci

1.名詞B1
釋義

sets of connected ideas used to explain why something happens, especially in science or other serious study

例句

The biology club compared two theories about why some birds migrate farther south.

theories about why [something happens]

Professor Chen asked the class to test older theories against the new climate data.

test theories against evidence or data

同義詞
  • models

    often more simplified and practical than full theories

  • frameworks

    stresses the structure of ideas rather than a complete explanation

  • accounts

    focuses on explaining how or why something happens

文法句型

theories of [subject]

theories about why [something happens]

test / compare / support theories

用法筆記

Often followed by 'of', 'about', or 'that' and commonly discussed with verbs like compare, test, support, or challenge. Distinguish from sense 2: these theories are more organized attempts to explain a subject, not just quick guesses.

常見錯誤

❌These theories explains the result.
✅These theories explain the result.
💡'theories' is plural, so it takes a plural verb.

2. people's ideas, guesses, or explanations about why something happened or what th

2.名詞B2
釋義

people's ideas, guesses, or explanations about why something happened or what the truth might be

例句

Neighbours traded wild theories about who left the gate open overnight.

wild theories about [event]

After the lights failed, Ramón had three theories about the strange buzzing sound.

have theories about [mystery]

同義詞
  • guesses

    more openly uncertain and less reasoned than theories

  • suspicions

    suggests worry that something wrong or secret is involved

  • explanations

    broader and can include more certain accounts

文法句型

have theories about [event]

theories on why [something happened]

wild / different / competing theories

用法筆記

Usually appears with adjectives like wild, different, or competing and with 'about' or 'on'. Distinguish from sense 1: these theories are personal explanations or suspicions, often without strong proof.