English
theory
Theory is borrowed from Middle French théorie, from Late Latin theōria, from Ancient Greek θεωρία, from θεωρός ‘spectator’.
- Ancient Greekc. 800–300 BCEθεωρόςtheōrós‘spectator’
- Ancient Greek, derivedc. 800–300 BCEθεωρία‘contemplation, viewing’
- Late Latinc. 200–600 CEtheōria
- Middle Frenchc. 1400–1600théorie
- Englishearliest quotation 1646theory
attested reconstructed ? uncertain or disputed
Lineage
- Ancient Greekc. 800–300 BCEθεωρόςtheōrós‘spectator’
- Ancient Greek, derivedc. 800–300 BCEθεωρία‘contemplation, viewing’
- Late Latinc. 200–600 CEtheōria
- Middle Frenchc. 1400–1600théorie
- Englishearliest quotation 1646theory
Earliest quotation: 1646, Thomas Browne, Pseudodoxia Epidemica: “As they encrease the hatred of vice in some,…”
Every English word from Ancient Greek θεωρός
Today it means
noun A description of an event or system that is considered to be accurate.
Language periods are conventional ranges, not dates for this word.
Etymograph / Ancient Greek θεωρός / theory