Theorem

/ˈθiərəm/ noun, verb, slang

noun, verb, slang ·Common ·High school level

Meaning at a glance

  • Primary sense: A mathematical statement of some importance that has been proven to be true. Minor theorems are often called propositions. Theorems which are not very interesting in themselves but are an essential part of a bigger theorem's proof are called lemmas.
  • Grammar: theorem is listed as noun, verb, slang.
  • Nearest alternatives: proposition, a priori principle, a priori truth, affirmation.
  • Useful contrasts: hypothetical proposition, anomaly, conjecture.
  • Usage evidence: That method's OK but if you use the factor theorem here ...

How to use "theorem"

  1. Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
  2. Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "theorem" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
  3. Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.

Meaning check

  • Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
  • Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
  • Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
  • Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?

Source and review context

This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "theorem" in a final draft.

If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.

Before you rely on this definition

Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "theorem" as the right word for your sentence.

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Compare nearby meanings

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  • Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
  • Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
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Definition decision workflow

1. Identify the role

Check whether "theorem" is acting as noun, verb, slang in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.

2. Test the nearest option

Compare it with "proposition" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.

3. Confirm with context

Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.

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Final meaning check

Before publishing a sentence with "theorem", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.

When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.

Definitions

Noun
  1. 1
    A mathematical statement of some importance that has been proven to be true. Minor theorems are often called propositions. Theorems which are not very interesting in themselves but are an essential part of a bigger theorem's proof are called lemmas.
  2. 2
    an idea accepted as a demonstrable truth wordnet
  3. 3
    A mathematical statement that is expected to be true. colloquial, nonstandard

    "Fermat's Last Theorem was known thus long before it was proved in the 1990s."

  4. 4
    a proposition deducible from basic postulates wordnet
  5. 5
    A syntactically correct expression that is deducible from the given axioms of a deductive system.
Verb
  1. 1
    To formulate into a theorem. transitive

Synonyms

All synonyms
propositiona priori principlea priori truthaffirmationapriorismassertion

Antonyms

hypothetical propositionanomalyconjectureconjectures

Example

"That method's OK but if you use the factor theorem here ..."

Common questions

What does "theorem" mean?

A mathematical statement of some importance that has been proven to be true. Minor theorems are often called propositions. Theorems which are not very interesting in themselves but are an essential part of a bigger theorem's proof are called lemmas.

What is a synonym for "theorem"?

Common synonyms include: proposition, a priori principle, a priori truth, affirmation, apriorism, assertion.

How do you use "theorem" in a sentence?

That method's OK but if you use the factor theorem here ...

How do you pronounce "theorem"?

Pronounced /ˈθiərəm/.

Etymology

From Middle French théorème, from Late Latin theōrēma, from Ancient Greek θεώρημα (theṓrēma, “speculation, proposition to be proved”) (Euclid), from θεωρέω (theōréō, “I look at, view, consider, examine”), from θεωρός (theōrós, “spectator”), from θέα (théa, “a view”) + ὁράω (horáō, “I see, look”). See also theory, and theater.

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