Meaning and usage of the word theorist in English

The word "theorist" originated in the mid-16th century from the Greek "theórios" (θεωρίος), which means "one who sees" or "beholder." This transformation occurred during the Renaissance, when Greek texts and ideas began to be studied extensively in Europe. The Latinized version of the Greek word, "theoros," was originally used to refer to a delegate sent by a city-state to attend religious festivals or games in honor of the gods. This term grew to describe someone who observed or contemplated something, such as a natural phenomenon or an artistic masterpiece. In the 17th century, the English mathematician and philosopher Francis Bacon coined the term "theoretic" to describe the systematic study of natural phenomena in order to understand how they worked. This use of the word "theoretic" eventually evolved into "theoretical" in English, which refers to a concept, idea, or model that is projected or speculative rather than practical or actual. The term "theorist" then emerged as a label for someone who produces and defends theoretical or speculative ideas, particularly in the fields of science, philosophy, and politics. Today, the word is widely used to describe scholars, researchers, and intellectuals who develop and test complex theories or hypotheses in their respective fields.