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How is the use of the word theory in science different from it's more common use?

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User Kala J
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A scientific theory enables predictions; a theory doesn’t .

A scientific theory is an explanation that has been so well established through many experiments that no new experiments are likely to change it. It enables scientists to make predictions about future experiments.

In common usage, a theory means a hunch or a guess. In science, we call such a guess a hypothesis.

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User Alexey Smolyakov
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