hypothesis (haɪˈpɒθɪsɪs
)
Definitions
noun
- a suggested explanation for a group of facts or phenomena, either accepted as a basis for further verification (working hypothesis) or accepted as likely to be true Compare theory (sense 5)
- an assumption used in an argument without its being endorsed; a supposition
- an unproved theory; a conjecture
Alternative Forms
hyˈpothesist nounWord Origin
C16: from Greek, from hupotithenai to propose, suppose, literally: put under; see hypo-, thesisQuotations
"It is a good morning exercise for a research scientist to discard a pet hypothesis every day before breakfast"
Usage examples
`I'm hoping to learn something more to support my hypothesis.
, No Body (1987)His hypothesis is that autism is an extreme form of the male brain.
New Scientist (2004)Fox News Channel's JFK: Case Not Closed (not available locally) supports a conspiracy hypothesis.
Edmonton Sun (2003)That was the framework within which the statutory hypothesis in section 4 had to operate.
Times, Sunday Times (2002)So `live with the accomplished fact ' had to be the conclusion and the working hypothesis.
, ONE HUNDRED DAYS (2003)