theorem
Theorem (noun) means a mathematical statement that has been formally proven true. Example: “Every student learns the Pythagorean theorem in geometry class.”
How to Use Theorem
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA proven mathematical rule or fact, as opposed to a guess or unproven idea.
Don't confuse with "theory", which can mean an unproven explanation — a theorem in maths is proven, not speculative.
Word Forms
theoremed past tense, theorems plural, theorems singular
Fill the Gap
Can you complete this real example?
Every student learns the Pythagorean _____ in geometry class.
Etymology
From Greek theorema ("proposition to be proved"), related to theoria ("theory") and theatre.
Related Words
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “theorem” mean?
The word “theorem” means a mathematical statement that has been formally proven true. In plain terms, a proven mathematical rule or fact, as opposed to a guess or unproven idea.
How do you pronounce “theorem”?
“Theorem” is pronounced THEE-uh-ruhm (/ˈθiərəm/ in IPA).
How do you use “theorem” in a sentence?
Here is “theorem” used in a sentence: “Every student learns the Pythagorean theorem in geometry class.”
What is another word for “theorem”?
Words with a similar meaning to “theorem” include proposition and statement.
What part of speech is “theorem”?
“Theorem” is a noun.
Where does the word “theorem” come from?
The word “theorem” comes from Greek. From Greek theorema ("proposition to be proved"), related to theoria ("theory") and theatre.
Is “theorem” a common word?
“Theorem” is an uncommon word in modern English.
What is the difference between a theorem and a law in mathematics or science?
A theorem is a mathematical statement that has been formally proven true through logical reasoning from accepted premises. A scientific law, by contrast, describes a pattern observed in nature and is supported by repeated evidence rather than mathematical proof.
What is the difference between a theorem and a hypothesis?
A hypothesis is a proposed statement that has not yet been proven and may be tested or investigated further. A theorem has already been established as true through formal proof, so it no longer carries the uncertainty of a hypothesis.
What is the difference between a theorem and a corollary?
A theorem is a proven statement in its own right, while a corollary is a statement that follows almost directly from a theorem that has already been proven. Corollaries require little additional proof because they rely on the reasoning already established for the related theorem.