What is the difference between facts and theory?

• Layman, a fact is something he "knows," and a theory is something that might or might not be true. 

• Scientist, a fact is something that can be tested by anyone with the proper skill and equipment, and that repeatedly and reliably gives the same result every time. 

• A scientific theory is a content of knowledge based on facts that describes their interaction in the simplest possible way. It is subject to change as the body of known fact changes, but always describes the body of fact as accurately as possible. There may be gaps in a theory, but the body of facts must support any tentative conclusions that are drawn. 

• Fact is something that is proven correct and true. Theory is a persons opinion on how something works or happens. fact: -noun 1. something that actually exists; reality; truth: Your fears have no basis in fact. 2. something known to exist or to have happened: Space travel is now a fact. 3. a truth known by actual experience or observation; something known to be true: Scientists gather facts about plant growth. 4. something said to be true or supposed to have happened: The facts given by the witness are highly questionable. the⋅o⋅ry: -noun, plural -ries. 1. a coherent group of general propositions used as principles of explanation for a class of phenomena: Einstein's theory of relativity. 2. a proposed explanation whose status is still conjectural, in contrast to well-established propositions that are regarded as reporting matters of actual fact. 3. Mathematics. a body of principles, theorems, or the like, belonging to one subject: number theory. 4. the branch of a science or art that deals with its principles or methods, as distinguished from its practice: music theory. 5. a particular conception or view of something to be done or of the method of doing it; a system of rules or principles. 6. contemplation or speculation. 7. guess or conjecture.

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