Fact vs. Theory — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on September 28, 2023
A fact is a statement that can be proven to be true or false, whereas a theory is a well-substantiated explanation acquired through the scientific method, and repeatedly tested and confirmed through observation and experimentation.
Difference Between Fact and Theory
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Fact and theory serve as fundamental concepts in the pursuit of knowledge, each contributing distinctively to our understanding of the world. A fact is something that has actual existence or has been proven to be true and is backed by empirical evidence. It is objective, concrete, and can be verified through observation or measurement. For instance, the statement "The Earth revolves around the Sun" is a fact because it can be proven and observed through empirical evidence.
Conversely, a theory is a systematic explanation for a phenomenon, based on empirical evidence and validated through experimentation and observation. It provides a conceptual framework to understand various aspects of the natural world, offering explanations and predictions. A theory is not a guess or a hypothesis but is supported by a substantial body of evidence, like the theory of evolution, which explains the diversity of life on Earth.
While facts represent objective and verifiable information, theories offer explanatory frameworks derived from a coherent set of facts. A fact is indisputable and universally accepted, while a theory, although well-substantiated and tested, may be subject to revisions or refinements as new evidence emerges. The theory’s strength lies in its ability to integrate diverse facts and offer insights and predictions about the world, yet it remains open to scrutiny and modification in light of new findings.
It is crucial to differentiate between fact and theory in scientific discourse and everyday language. Recognizing facts as foundational, objective truths and theories as comprehensive, evidence-based explanations fosters clarity and precision in communication and thought. It enables a more nuanced understanding of scientific principles and the advancement of knowledge, by clarifying the relationship between observed phenomena (facts) and the frameworks we use to understand them (theories).
Comparison Chart
Nature
A statement that can be proven true or false.
A well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world.
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Basis
Empirical evidence and observation.
Based on a coherent set of facts, tested and confirmed through observation and experimentation.
Certainty
Indisputable and universally accepted.
Subject to revisions or refinements with new evidence.
Purpose
To provide objective and verifiable information.
To offer explanatory frameworks and make predictions about the natural world.
Development
Established through observation or measurement.
Developed through the scientific method and supported by a substantial body of evidence.
Compare with Definitions
Fact
Represents objective reality and is based on empirical evidence.
The fact that the Earth orbits the Sun is supported by extensive astronomical observations.
Theory
A coherent group of tested general propositions, commonly regarded as correct, that can be used as principles of explanation and prediction.
The theory of relativity revolutionized the understanding of time, space, and gravity.
Fact
Indisputable and accepted as true.
The fact that humans need oxygen to survive is universally accepted.
Theory
Provides a framework for understanding patterns, making predictions, and guiding further research.
Plate tectonics theory has been fundamental in understanding Earth's geological activity.
Fact
Can be verified through observation, measurement, and experimentation.
Through experimentation, it was established as a fact that plants need sunlight to perform photosynthesis.
Theory
A well-substantiated explanation acquired through the scientific method.
The germ theory of disease provided insights into the causes of illness and disease transmission.
Fact
A fact is an occurrence in the real world. The usual test for a statement of fact is verifiability—that is whether it can be demonstrated to correspond to experience.
Theory
A theory is a rational type of abstract thinking about a phenomenon, or the results of such thinking. The process of contemplative and rational thinking is often associated with such processes as observational study or research.
Fact
A thing that is known or proved to be true
The most commonly known fact about hedgehogs is that they have fleas
He ignores some historical and economic facts
A body of fact
Theory
A set of statements or principles devised to explain a group of facts or phenomena, especially one that has been repeatedly tested or is widely accepted and can be used to make predictions about natural phenomena.
Fact
Knowledge or information based on real occurrences
An account based on fact.
A blur of fact and fancy.
Theory
The branch of a science or art consisting of its explanatory statements, accepted principles, and methods of analysis, as opposed to practice
A fine musician who had never studied theory.
Fact
Something demonstrated to exist or known to have existed
Genetic engineering is now a fact. That Chaucer was a real person is an undisputed fact.
Theory
A set of theorems that constitute a systematic view of a branch of mathematics.
Fact
A real occurrence; an event
Had to prove the facts of the case.
Theory
Abstract reasoning; speculation
A decision based on experience rather than theory.
Fact
Something believed to be true or real
A document laced with mistaken facts.
Theory
A belief or principle that guides action or assists comprehension or judgment
Staked out the house on the theory that criminals usually return to the scene of the crime.
Fact
A thing that has been done, especially a crime
An accessory before the fact.
Theory
An assumption based on limited information or knowledge; a conjecture.
Fact
(Law) A conclusion drawn by a judge or jury from the evidence in a case
A finding of fact.
Theory
A description of an event or system that is considered to be accurate.
Fact
Something actual as opposed to invented.
In this story, the Gettysburg Address is a fact, but the rest is fiction.
Theory
(sciences) A coherent statement or set of ideas that explains observed facts or phenomena and correctly predicts new facts or phenomena not previously observed, or which sets out the laws and principles of something known or observed; a hypothesis confirmed by observation, experiment etc.
Fact
Something which is real.
Gravity is a fact, not a theory.
Theory
(uncountable) The underlying principles or methods of a given technical skill, art etc., as opposed to its practice.
Fact
Something concrete used as a basis for further interpretation.
Let's look at the facts of the case before deciding.
Theory
(mathematics) A field of study attempting to exhaustively describe a particular class of constructs.
Knot theory classifies the mappings of a circle into 3-space.
Fact
An objective consensus on a fundamental reality that has been agreed upon by a substantial number of experts.
There is no doubting the fact that the Earth orbits the Sun.
Theory
A hypothesis or conjecture.
Fact
Information about a particular subject, especially actual conditions and/or circumstances.
The facts about space travel.
Theory
A set of axioms together with all statements derivable from them; or, a set of statements which are deductively closed. Equivalently, a formal language plus a set of axioms (from which can then be derived theorems). The statements may be required to all be bound (i.e., to have no free variables).
A theory is consistent if it has a model.
Fact
(databases) An individual value or measurement at the lowest level of granularity in a data warehouse.
Theory
A doctrine, or scheme of things, which terminates in speculation or contemplation, without a view to practice; hypothesis; speculation.
Fact
(archaic) Action; the realm of action.
Theory
An exposition of the general or abstract principles of any science; as, the theory of music.
Fact
A wrongful or criminal deed.
He had become an accessory after the fact.
Theory
The science, as distinguished from the art; as, the theory and practice of medicine.
Fact
(obsolete) A feat or meritorious deed.
Theory
The philosophical explanation of phenomena, either physical or moral; as, Lavoisier's theory of combustion; Adam Smith's theory of moral sentiments.
Fact
Used before making a statement to introduce it as a trustworthy one.
Theory
A well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world; an organized system of accepted knowledge that applies in a variety of circumstances to explain a specific set of phenomena;
Theories can incorporate facts and laws and tested hypotheses
True in fact and theory
Fact
A doing, making, or preparing.
A project for the fact and vendingOf a new kind of fucus, paint for ladies.
Theory
A tentative theory about the natural world; a concept that is not yet verified but that if true would explain certain facts or phenomena;
A scientific hypothesis that survives experimental testing becomes a scientific theory
He proposed a fresh theory of alkalis that later was accepted in chemical practices
Fact
An effect produced or achieved; anything done or that comes to pass; an act; an event; a circumstance.
What might instigate him to this devilish fact, I am not able to conjecture.
He who most excels in fact of arms.
Theory
A belief that can guide behavior;
The architect has a theory that more is less
They killed him on the theory that dead men tell no tales
Fact
Reality; actuality; truth; as, he, in fact, excelled all the rest; the fact is, he was beaten.
Theory
Represents a comprehensive explanation supported by a significant body of evidence.
The theory of evolution offers a comprehensive explanation for the diversity and adaptation of life on Earth.
Fact
The assertion or statement of a thing done or existing; sometimes, even when false, improperly put, by a transfer of meaning, for the thing done, or supposed to be done; a thing supposed or asserted to be done; as, history abounds with false facts.
I do not grant the fact.
This reasoning is founded upon a fact which is not true.
Theory
Subject to testing, modification, and falsification based on new evidence.
Quantum theory has undergone numerous tests and refinements to accommodate new findings.
Fact
A piece of information about circumstances that exist or events that have occurred;
First you must collect all the facts of the case
Fact
A statement or assertion of verified information about something that is the case or has happened;
He supported his argument with an impressive array of facts
Fact
An event known to have happened or something known to have existed;
Your fears have no basis in fact
How much of the story is fact and how much fiction is hard to tell
Fact
A concept whose truth can be proved;
Scientific hypotheses are not facts
Fact
A statement that can be objectively verified to be true or false.
It is a fact that water boils at 100 degrees Celsius at standard atmospheric pressure.
Fact
Concrete and specific pieces of information.
It's a fact that Mount Everest is the highest mountain above sea level.
Common Curiosities
Is every fact true?
By definition, a fact represents a truth based on empirical evidence, but misinformation or lack of evidence can lead to false assertions being believed as facts.
Is a theory just a guess or a belief?
No, a theory is a well-substantiated explanation based on empirical evidence and scientific reasoning, not just a guess or belief.
Is empirical evidence necessary to establish a fact?
Yes, empirical evidence is crucial to verify a statement as a fact, ensuring its objective truth.
Can theories develop into facts?
Theories explain facts but are distinct; theories provide explanatory frameworks while facts are objective truths, so theories don’t become facts.
Can a fact be disproven?
A true fact, supported by empirical evidence, cannot be disproven, but if new reliable evidence contradicts a supposed fact, it may be reconsidered.
Can a theory change?
Yes, theories can be refined, expanded, or revised based on new evidence and perspectives.
Can a theory exist without facts?
No, a valid theory is based on and integrates a coherent set of facts, providing explanations and making predictions about them.
Can facts change over time?
Objective truths (facts) don’t change, but our understanding or knowledge of them can evolve with new evidence or perspectives.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
