Final answer:
The term 'scientific theory' refers to a well-tested and widely accepted explanation in the scientific community, unlike the everyday use of 'theory' which often signifies an untested guess or speculation.
Step-by-step explanation:
Difference Between Scientific Theory and Everyday Use of 'Theory'
The term scientific theory refers to a well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world that is acquired through the scientific method and repeatedly tested and confirmed through observation and experimentation. This is quite different from how theory is often used in everyday language, which tends to mean an untested guess or speculation about how something works.
For example, in everyday conversation, saying 'I have a theory about who ate the last cookie' often means you have a guess without substantial proof. In contrast, a scientific theory, such as the theory of evolution, cell theory, or germ theory, has gone through rigorous testing and is supported by a substantial body of evidence. It is considered a comprehensive explanation of scientific data and is often used predictively to inform further research and experimentation.
In essence, a scientific theory is the pinnacle of scientific understanding, a reliable framework for explaining a range of phenomena, and far from being 'just a theory' or an educated guess, it is accepted as scientific truth within the scientific community.