big bang theory: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal in scientific contexts; informal in popular culture and business metaphors.
Quick answer
What does “big bang theory” mean?
The scientific theory that the universe originated from an extremely dense and hot state approximately 13.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The scientific theory that the universe originated from an extremely dense and hot state approximately 13.8 billion years ago and has been expanding ever since.
A term used metaphorically in various contexts (e.g., business, finance) to describe a sudden, explosive, and fundamental change or beginning. Also the title of a popular American television sitcom.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning. The cultural reference to the TV show is more dominant in American English due to the show's origin.
Connotations
In formal/scientific contexts, both varieties are identical. Informally, UK speakers might use the metaphorical sense ('the big bang introduction of the new policy') slightly less frequently than US speakers.
Frequency
Scientific usage is equally frequent. Pop-culture reference frequency is higher in US English.
Grammar
How to Use “big bang theory” in a Sentence
The Big Bang Theory posits that [clause]According to the Big Bang Theory, [clause]Scientists developed the Big Bang Theory to account for [noun phrase]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “big bang theory” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The lecturer spent an hour detailing the fine-tuning problems within the big bang theory.
- Many find the philosophical implications of the big bang theory quite profound.
American English
- The Big Bang Theory is my favorite show to rewatch.
- Our company's restructuring was a classic big bang theory implementation.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to a radical, one-time overhaul of systems or processes, as opposed to a phased implementation.
Academic
The dominant cosmological model explaining the origin and evolution of the observable universe.
Everyday
Most commonly refers to the television comedy series.
Technical
Specifically denotes the ΛCDM (Lambda Cold Dark Matter) model, incorporating cosmic inflation, nucleosynthesis, and the cosmic microwave background radiation.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “big bang theory”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “big bang theory”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “big bang theory”
- Incorrect capitalization in scientific contexts (should be 'Big Bang theory' or 'big bang theory', not 'Big Bang Theory' unless referring to the show).
- Using 'Big Bang' alone to mean the theory. 'The Big Bang' is the event; 'the Big Bang theory' is the explanation for it.
- Confusing its metaphorical use with its scientific meaning in formal writing.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. 'The Big Bang' refers to the singular event—the initial expansion. 'The Big Bang theory' is the comprehensive scientific model that describes and explains that event and the subsequent evolution of the universe.
The three primary pillars of evidence are: 1) the observed redshift of galaxies (Hubble's Law, indicating expansion), 2) the discovery and precise measurement of the cosmic microwave background radiation (the 'afterglow' of the early universe), and 3) the observed abundances of light elements (hydrogen, helium, lithium) which match predictions from Big Bang nucleosynthesis.
In formal scientific writing, 'big bang theory' is often not capitalized, or 'Big Bang' is capitalized but 'theory' is not (e.g., 'the Big Bang theory'). When referring specifically to the television series, it is always a proper noun: 'The Big Bang Theory'.
Yes, especially in business, finance, and politics. It describes a sudden, comprehensive, and often disruptive change implemented all at once, as opposed to a gradual, phased approach (e.g., 'the big bang theory of European monetary integration').
The scientific theory that the universe originated from an extremely dense and hot state approximately 13.
Big bang theory is usually formal in scientific contexts; informal in popular culture and business metaphors. in register.
Big bang theory: in British English it is pronounced /ˌbɪɡ ˈbæŋ ˈθɪəri/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌbɪɡ ˈbæŋ ˈθiːəri, ˈθɪri/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[Metaphorical] a big bang approach (to reform, to launching a product)”
- “[Metaphorical] a big bang event”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a massive firework (BIG) exploding (BANG) at the very start of a show. This explosion created all the stars and galaxies we see today – that's the THEORY.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE UNIVERSE IS AN EXPLOSION. / BEGINNINGS ARE EXPLOSIONS.
Practice
Quiz
In a business context, a 'big bang' approach to software implementation means: