定理

Pattern visualization

Examples

1. 勾股定理是几何学的基础。▶ —
   The Pythagorean theorem is fundamental to geometry.
2. 这个定理可以用公式证明。▶ —
   This theorem can be proved with a formula.

Collocations

Mnemonic

定 dìng "fixed, established" + 理 lǐ "principle": an established principle proven true, i.e. a theorem. Same as the Korean word jeong-ri (定理). A proposition in math or logic already proven and established as true (数学定理 a mathematical theorem, 勾股定理 the Pythagorean theorem). Unlike 定义 (fixing a meaning), 定理 is a proposition established as true through proof. 定 means "fixed" (确定, the 定 of 定义); 理 means "principle" (原理, 道理). Established by 论证 and 推论.

Related

Quick check

1. How does 定理 differ from 定义?

   • a proposition proven true
   • a specification of meaning
   • lab equipment
   • a book title