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noun B2 Upper-Intermediate Uncommon

theorist

THEER-rihst
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Theorist (noun) means a person who develops theories, especially in science, mathematics or the arts. Example: “The conference brought together theorists and practitioners alike.”

noun
1
A person who develops theories, especially in science, mathematics or the arts.
"The conference brought together theorists and practitioners alike."
"He is a well-known political theorist."
"Some of the most beautiful and thus appealing physical theories, including quantum electrodynamics and quantum gravity, have been dogged for decades by infinities that erupt when theorists try to prod their calculations into new domains." — Michael Riordan, Tackling Infinity (2012)

How to use theorist

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishSomeone whose work is building or proposing theories, rather than doing hands-on practical work.

Common pairings
political theorist a leading theorist
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Word forms

Plural
theorists
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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The conference brought together _____ and practitioners alike.

Etymology

From theory plus the agent suffix -ist.

theorizer theoriser idealogue theoretician

Related words

Rhymes for theorist

See all rhymes for theorist →

Frequently asked questions

What does “theorist” mean?
The word “theorist” means a person who develops theories, especially in science, mathematics or the arts. In plain terms, someone whose work is building or proposing theories, rather than doing hands-on practical work.
How do you pronounce “theorist”?
“Theorist” is pronounced THEER-rihst (/ˈθiːəɹəst/ in IPA).
How do you use “theorist” in a sentence?
Here is “theorist” used in a sentence: “The conference brought together theorists and practitioners alike.”
What part of speech is “theorist”?
“Theorist” is a noun.
Is “theorist” a common word?
“Theorist” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.

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