noun
hypothesis
high-PAH-thuh-sis/haɪˈpɑːθəsɪs/
An idea or assumption proposed for testing or reasoning.
The woman tests her hypothesis that a hidden magnet attracts clips to the box.
Etymology
Literally a “placing under,” a hypothesis was a foundation or basis for an argument. This became a supposition used as a premise, and in science a proposed explanation to investigate or test.
In context
we have an unknown phenomenon we can't explain and you proposed a hypothesis that it's um demons of some kind non-physical things and i'm proposing an alternative hypothesis just an undiscovered physical force of some kind
More examples
- Our hypothesis is that warmer soil helps seeds sprout faster.
- Let's work from the hypothesis that both witnesses are telling the truth.
- The new evidence rules out several competing hypotheses.
Forms
hypothesis · hypotheses
hypothesize verb — To propose an explanation or assumption for testing.
hypothetical adjective — Based on an assumption rather than established fact.
Similar words
- theory
- In science, a broader explanation supported by substantial evidence.
- assumption
- Something treated as true without necessarily being tested.
- conjecture
- A tentative conclusion drawn from incomplete evidence, not necessarily testable.