n. Function: noun
1 a belief, policy, or procedure proposed or followed as the basis of action FF1C; an educational system that was based on the theory that men learn best by experience FF1E;
Synonyms: hypothesis, supposal; compare ASSUMPTION 2
Related Words: base, basis, grounds, position, premise, understanding
Antonyms: practice
2 something taken for granted especially on trivial or inadequate grounds FF1C; her theory that the house was haunted FF1E;
Synonyms: conjecture, perhaps, speculation, suppose, supposition
Related Words: guess, guesswork, surmise; feeling, hunch, impression, presentiment, suspicion
Contrasted Words: assurance, certainty, knowledge