hypothesis
heye-PO-thih-sihs
Hypothesis (noun) means a proposed explanation for something that can be tested through further study or experiment. Example: “The students formed a hypothesis about why the ice melted so quickly.”
noun
1
A proposed explanation for something that can be tested through further study or experiment.
"The students formed a hypothesis about why the ice melted so quickly."
"Her hypothesis was that the plants would grow faster under blue light."
"Scientists ran several trials to test the hypothesis."
How to use hypothesis
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAn educated guess or proposed explanation, made to be tested.
Common mistake
A hypothesis is a testable guess, not a proven fact — don't treat it as a conclusion.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
test a hypothesis
form a hypothesis
working hypothesis
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Word forms
- Plural
- hypotheses
Fill the gap
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The students formed a _____ about why the ice melted so quickly.
Etymology
From Greek hypothesis ("a placing under, a basis for argument"), from hypotithēmi ("to put forward, suggest").
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for hypothesis
thesis
nemesis
genesis
exegesis
diaeresis
anamnesis
apheresis
synthesis
antithesis
epenthesis
prosthesis
abiogenesis
See all rhymes for 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.
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