1.
one theory, one view, one account
One particular theory or account among several. Used when presenting an unconfirmed or debated explanation.
一説によると、そうらしい。
According to one theory, that seems to be the case.
一説には中国由来だとも言われている。
According to one theory, it is also said to originate from China.
この言葉の語源については一説あるが、定かではない。
There is a theory about the etymology of this word, but it's not definitive.
一説 is used to introduce one particular theory or view when multiple explanations exist. It signals that the information is not definitive.
WORD FORMATION:
一 (one) + 説 (theory, explanation) = one theory
COMMON PATTERNS:
- 一説によると: according to one theory
- 一説には: according to one account
- 一説では: in one theory
- 一説ある: there is a (certain) theory
NOTE:
This word is commonly found in academic writing, encyclopedias, and trivia discussions. It hedges a claim by acknowledging that other explanations may exist.