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 • 846 views

This is a correct and commonly used English word.

"theory"

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.

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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

This is a correct and commonly used English word.

"principle"

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.

Show examples from the web [+]

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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theory vs principle

"theory"

"principle"

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