hypothesis
11 synonyms and 3 antonyms for hypothesis, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A proposed explanation for something that can be tested through further study or experiment.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use hypothesis
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
test a hypothesis
form a hypothesis
working hypothesis
Etymology
From Greek hypothesis ("a placing under, a basis for argument"), from hypotithēmi ("to put forward, suggest").
Full origin of hypothesis →Frequently asked questions
What does “hypothesis” mean?
The word “hypothesis” means a proposed explanation for something that can be tested through further study or experiment. In plain terms, an educated guess or proposed explanation, made to be tested.
How do you pronounce “hypothesis”?
“Hypothesis” is pronounced heye-PO-thih-sihs ([haɪˈpʰɑθəsɪs] in IPA).
How do you use “hypothesis” in a sentence?
Here is “hypothesis” used in a sentence: “Her hypothesis was that the plants would grow faster under blue light.”
What part of speech is “hypothesis”?
“Hypothesis” is a noun.
Where does the word “hypothesis” come from?
The word “hypothesis” comes from Greek. From Greek hypothesis ("a placing under, a basis for argument"), from hypotithēmi ("to put forward, suggest").
Is “hypothesis” a common word?
“Hypothesis” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the C2 level.
What is the difference between a hypothesis and a theory?
A hypothesis is a proposed, testable explanation offered before or during investigation, whereas a scientific theory is a well-substantiated explanation supported by a large body of evidence. A theory is far more established than a hypothesis, which still awaits or is undergoing testing.
What is the difference between a hypothesis and a prediction?
A hypothesis is a proposed explanation for why something happens, while a prediction is a specific statement about what should be observed if the hypothesis is correct. The prediction is what you test; the hypothesis is what the test supports or refutes.
What is the plural of hypothesis?
The plural of hypothesis is "hypotheses," with the ending pronounced "-eez." This follows the pattern of Greek-derived nouns ending in "-is," which form their plural by changing the ending to "-es."
What is the difference between a hypothesis and an assumption?
A hypothesis is a proposed explanation framed specifically so it can be tested through study or experiment, whereas an assumption is something taken to be true without testing. A hypothesis invites investigation; an assumption is simply accepted as a starting point.
