adverb

hypothetically

Hypothetically (adverb) means In a way based on supposition rather than fact; as a "what if.". Example: “Hypothetically speaking, what would you do if you won the lottery?”

adverb

In a way based on supposition rather than fact; as a "what if."

"Hypothetically speaking, what would you do if you won the lottery?"

How to use hypothetically

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishUsed to raise an imagined situation without committing to it being true.

Common pairings

hypothetically speaking

Word forms

more hypothetically comparative, most hypothetically superlative

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

_____ speaking, what would you do if you won the lottery?

Etymology

From hypothetical + -ly.

Rhymes for hypothetically

ally bally sally Wally dally rally tally pally really locally usually equally

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Frequently asked questions

What does “hypothetically” mean?

The word “hypothetically” means in a way based on supposition rather than fact; as a "what if.". In plain terms, used to raise an imagined situation without committing to it being true.

How do you use “hypothetically” in a sentence?

Here is “hypothetically” used in a sentence: “Hypothetically speaking, what would you do if you won the lottery?”

What part of speech is “hypothetically”?

“Hypothetically” is an adverb.

What is the meaning of hypothetically?

"hypothetically" (adverb) means in a way based on supposition rather than fact; as a "what if.".