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theory vs principle

Both 'theory' and 'principle' are correct English words, but they have different meanings and are not interchangeable. 'Theory' refers to a system of ideas intended to explain something, while 'principle' refers to a fundamental truth or law that serves as the foundation for a system of belief or behavior.

Last updated: March 31, 2024

theory

This is a correct and commonly used English word.

Use 'theory' to refer to a system of ideas intended to explain something, especially one based on general principles independent of the thing to be explained.

Examples:

  • The theory of relativity explains the relationship between space and time.
  • The theory of evolution is widely accepted in the scientific community.
  • Sorry the Swedes disproved your theory.
  • Revolutionary theory can thus not own total existence.
  • He himself never denied the suicide theory.
  • But the dragon-king theory gives hope.
  • Most chemists are not experts in evolutionary theory.
  • I agree with Prokosch's theory.
  • It proves my theory is correct.
  • Big Bang theory is cartoon physics.
  • Chaos theory seems predictable by comparison.
  • Tess might actually like the theory.
  • You had some far-fetched theory about election rigging.
  • String theory has always predicted they exist.
  • But his deflection confirms our theory.
  • Currently, our top theory is invisible gnomes.
  • It's all probability theory and mathematics.
  • Our theory of motive has been punctured.
  • Our hooded man theory has been shredded.
  • So your theory is based on an unverifiable witness.
  • Mozzie's first conspiracy theory and his coping mechanism.
  • I thought scientists disproved that theory.

Alternatives:

  • hypothesis
  • concept
  • model
  • framework
  • paradigm

principle

This is a correct and commonly used English word.

Use 'principle' to refer to a fundamental truth or law that serves as the foundation for a system of belief or behavior.

Examples:

  • The principle of supply and demand affects prices in the market.
  • She always tries to live by the principle of honesty.
  • The management principle is dollars and cents.
  • Hostage crisis, noodles... same principle.
  • I always trust people on principle.
  • Free speech, another cherished principle.
  • His principle applies to the method of gathering unconscious material.
  • This principle is also vividly demonstrated among human populations.
  • Backscattering is the principle behind radar systems.
  • The Curtin-Hammett principle bears his name.
  • A rock tumbler functions on the same principle.
  • Measurement range pH 0-14 Measuring principle Gel compact electrode with PTFE ring-diaphragm.
  • Pallidal neurons operate using a disinhibition principle.
  • Acceptance of rabbinic credentials involves both issues of practicality and principle.
  • Its principle of operation remains in use.
  • This principle was not codified until the 1953 constitution.
  • Zero-point energy is fundamentally related to the Heisenberg uncertainty principle.
  • This brick wall has same principle.
  • 2264 Love toward oneself remains a fundamental principle of morality.
  • In many countries the extraterritorial principle allows prosecutions for offences committed abroad.
  • The meaning and significance of SAID principle.
  • This is a principle that should inform ethical journalism.

Alternatives:

  • rule
  • law
  • axiom
  • doctrine
  • belief

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