grand unified theory

noun

plural grand unified theories

1

: any of several theories that seek to unite in a single mathematical framework the electromagnetic and weak forces with the strong force or with the strong force and gravity

The next goal after unifying the electromagnetic and weak forces is to bring in the nuclear force, and thereby achieve a so-called "grand unified theory" (GUT) of all the forces governing the microphysical world …

—Martin Rees

2

: a theory or rationale that purports to explain all aspects of a situation or subject

Westworld, on some level, is telling a story that takes aim at presenting a grand unified theory of oppression.

—Emily St. James

There is no grand unified theory for Justice Kennedy's jurisprudence …

—Viet Dinh, quoted in Time

Examples of grand unified theory in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

What grand unified theory of retirement neatly explains all three? — Andrew Van Dam, Washington Post, 13 Jan. 2023

And if confirmed, some think the new force could move physics closer to a grand unified theory of the universe, or even help explain dark matter. — Eric Betz, Discover Magazine, 10 Mar. 2020

There is no grand unified theory for Justice Kennedy’s jurisprudence,’ says Viet Dinh, a leading conservative court watcher whose law partner Paul Clement argued the case against Obamacare. — Katie Reilly, Time, 27 June 2018

Everybody has a grand unified theory about why true crime is so popular right now, especially among women. — refinery29.com, 23 May 2018

Westworld, on some level, is telling a story that takes aim at presenting a grand unified theory of oppression. — Todd Vanderwerff, Vox, 18 Apr. 2018

The two biggest discoveries of the 20th century have resisted all attempts by physicists to combine them into one grand unified theory, leading some physicists to question whether they can even be combined at all. — Avery Thompson, Popular Mechanics, 8 Mar. 2018

Word History

First Known Use

1977, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for grand unified theory

• beery
• bleary
• cheery
• cirri
• dearie
• deary
• dreary
• eerie
• kiri
• leary
• leery
• peery