fringe theory
1
8.9
- noun
- /frɪndʒ ˈθɪəri/
:
teoría marginal
- Some scientists debate a fringe theory that challenges conventional views on climate change.
We won't stand for the Times platforming lies, bias, fringe theories, and dangerous inaccuracies.
- We won't stand for the Times platforming lies, bias, fringe theories, and dangerous inaccuracies.
Examples
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The documentary explored a fringe theory suggesting that ancient civilizations had advanced technologies.
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We won't stand for the Times platforming lies, bias, fringe theories, and dangerous inaccuracies.
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We won't stand for the Times platforming lies, bias, fringe theories, and dangerous inaccuracies.
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While most researchers support established methods, a few advocate a fringe theory about alternative energy sources.
Synonyms
11
8.0
Ideas or practices that pretend to be based on facts but have no good proof
A strange idea that is unlikely and has no proof
False or not proven ideas that claim to explain how the world works
A very strange thought or plan that seems extreme
How Accepted
Surface Forms
Morphology
The meaning is directly compositional: 'fringe' denotes marginal or peripheral, and 'theory' denotes a set of ideas, so 'fringe theory' naturally means a theory on the margins of mainstream thought. This adjective+noun pattern is common cross‑linguistically and follows normal English composition, so a B1 learner who knows both words would likely infer the intended meaning.
Etymology
Fringe theory comes from the image of a fringe — the loose edge of a cloth — and theory, which means an idea. One popular image is an idea at the 'edge' of what experts accept, not in the centre, so it means an idea outside the 'mainstream' and often not well supported.