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| A suggested explanation for an observable phenomenon or prediction of a possible causal correlation among multiple phenomena. | In science, a theory is a well-substantiated, unifying explanation for a set of verified, proven hypotheses. |
| Suggestion, possibility, projection or prediction, but the result is uncertain. | Evidence, verification, repeated testing, wide scientific consensus |
| Yes | Yes |
| Yes | Yes |
| No | Yes |
| Usually based on very limited data | Based on a very wide set of data tested under various circumstances. |
| Specific: Hypothesis is usually based on a very specific observation and is limited to that instance. | General: A theory is the establishment of a general principle through multiple tests and experiments, and this principle may apply to various specific instances. |
| To present an uncertain possibility that can be explored further through experiments and observations. | To explain why a large set of observations are consistently made. |
