Defn: One who forms theories; one given to theory and speculation; a
speculatist. Cowper.
The greatest theoretists have given the preference to such a
government as that which obtains in this kingdom. Addison.
THEORIZATION
The`o*ri*za"tion, n.
Defn: The act or product of theorizing; the formation of a theory or theories; speculation.
THEORIZE
The"o*rize, v. i. [imp. & p. p. Theorized; p. pr. & vb. n.
Theorizing.] Etym: [Cf. F. théoriser.]
Defn: To form a theory or theories; to form opinions solely by theory; to speculate.
THEORIZER
The"o*ri`zer, n.
Defn: One who theorizes or speculates; a theorist.
THEORY
The"o*ry, n.; pl. Theories. Etym: [F. théorie, L. theoria, Gr.
Theater.]
1. A doctrine, or scheme of things, which terminates in speculation or contemplation, without a view to practice; hypothesis; speculation.
Note: "This word is employed by English writers in a very loose and improper sense. It is with them usually convertible into hypothesis, and hypothesis is commonly used as another term for conjecture. The terms theory and theoretical are properly used in opposition to the terms practice and practical. In this sense, they were exclusively employed by the ancients; and in this sense, they are almost exclusively employed by the Continental philosophers." Sir W. Hamilton.