hypothesis
hypothesis Lexical Profile
hypothesis Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A proposed explanation for a phenomenon made on the basis of limited evidence as a starting point for further scientific investigation and testing.
"The researchers designed a series of controlled experiments to test their hypothesis about how the virus spreads."
A supposition, assumption, or unproved idea put forward merely for the sake of argument or speculation.
"Let us work on the hypothesis that the delivery will be delayed by at least two days."
Word Nuance & Usage
In scientific usage, a 'hypothesis' is a tentative, testable explanation for an observation, whereas a 'theory' is a comprehensive, well-substantiated framework supported by extensive empirical evidence. Note the irregular Greek plural 'hypotheses' (pronounced with a long 'e' at the end).
• Rhymes for hypothesis
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the late 16th century via Late Latin from Ancient Greek 'hypothesis' ('foundation, base, or supposition'), from 'hypotithenai' ('to place under or suppose'), combining 'hypo-' ('under') and 'tithenai' ('to place').