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[ hahy- poth - uh -sis , hi- ]
- a proposition, or set of propositions, set forth as an explanation for the occurrence of some specified group of phenomena, either asserted merely as a provisional conjecture to guide investigation working hypothesis or accepted as highly probable in the light of established facts.
- a proposition assumed as a premise in an argument.
- the antecedent of a conditional proposition.
- a mere assumption or guess.
/ haɪˈpɒθɪsɪs /
- 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
- an assumption used in an argument without its being endorsed; a supposition
- an unproved theory; a conjecture
/ hī-pŏth ′ ĭ-sĭs /
, Plural hypotheses hī-pŏth ′ ĭ-sēz′
- A statement that explains or makes generalizations about a set of facts or principles, usually forming a basis for possible experiments to confirm its viability.
- plur. hypotheses (heye- poth -uh-seez) In science, a statement of a possible explanation for some natural phenomenon. A hypothesis is tested by drawing conclusions from it; if observation and experimentation show a conclusion to be false, the hypothesis must be false. ( See scientific method and theory .)
Derived Forms
- hyˈpothesist , noun
Other Words From
- hy·pothe·sist noun
- counter·hy·pothe·sis noun plural counterhypotheses
- subhy·pothe·sis noun plural subhypotheses
Word History and Origins
Origin of hypothesis 1
Synonym Study
Example sentences.
The most logical hypothesis is that manatees were then later "present only in very low numbers in Florida as occasional visitors from the Caribbean and then settled here permanently," Pluckhahn said.
"We have thus confirmed the hypothesis that efficient gaits can be realized by exploiting natural oscillation patterns," explains Prof.
This hypothesis provides new leads to decipher the mechanisms of epidermal renewal.
DNA-based analyses, used to predict the age of animal groups by comparing them with their closest living relatives, have corroborated this hypothesis.
Additionally, findings from the study generate testable hypotheses for future research, which combined with further basic studies, will enable more informed clinical decisions and public health policies.
Related Words
- explanation
- interpretation
- proposition
- supposition
More About Hypothesis
What is a hypothesis .
In science, a hypothesis is a statement or proposition that attempts to explain phenomena or facts. Hypotheses are often tested to see if they are accurate.
Crafting a useful hypothesis is one of the early steps in the scientific method , which is central to every field of scientific experimentation. A useful scientific hypothesis is based on current, accepted scientific knowledge and is testable.
Outside of science, the word hypothesis is often used more loosely to mean a guess or prediction.
Why is hypothesis important?
The first records of the term hypothesis come from around 1590. It comes from the Greek term hypóthesis , meaning “basis, supposition.”
Trustworthy science involves experiments and tests. In order to have an experiment, you need to test something. In science, that something is called a hypothesis . It is important to remember that, in science, a verified hypothesis is not actually confirmed to be an absolute truth. Instead, it is accepted to be accurate according to modern knowledge. Science always allows for the possibility that new information could disprove a widely accepted hypothesis .
Related to this, scientists will usually only propose a new hypothesis when new information is discovered because there is no reason to test something that is already accepted as scientifically accurate.
Did you know … ?
It can take a long time and even the discovery of new technology to confirm that a hypothesis is accurate. Physicist Albert Einstein ’s 1916 theory of relativity contained hypotheses about space and time that have only been confirmed recently, thanks to modern technology!
What are real-life examples of hypothesis ?
While in science, hypothesis has a narrow meaning, in general use its meaning is broader.
"This study confirms the hypothesis that individuals who have been infected with COVID-19 have persistent objectively measurable cognitive deficits." (N=81,337) Ventilation subgroup show 7-point reduction in IQ https://t.co/50xrNNHC5E — Claire Lehmann (@clairlemon) July 23, 2021
Not everyone drives. They can walk, cycle, catch a train, tram etc. That’s alternatives. What’s your alternative in your hypothesis? — Barry (@Bazzaboy1982) July 27, 2021
What other words are related to hypothesis ?
- scientific method
- scientific theory
Quiz yourself!
True or False?
In science, a hypothesis must be based on current scientific information and be testable.
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Definition of hypothesis noun from the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary
- to formulate/confirm a hypothesis
- a hypothesis about the function of dreams
- There is little evidence to support these hypotheses.
- formulate/advance a theory/hypothesis
- build/construct/create/develop a simple/theoretical/mathematical model
- develop/establish/provide/use a theoretical/conceptual framework
- advance/argue/develop the thesis that…
- explore an idea/a concept/a hypothesis
- make a prediction/an inference
- base a prediction/your calculations on something
- investigate/evaluate/accept/challenge/reject a theory/hypothesis/model
- design an experiment/a questionnaire/a study/a test
- do research/an experiment/an analysis
- make observations/measurements/calculations
- carry out/conduct/perform an experiment/a test/a longitudinal study/observations/clinical trials
- run an experiment/a simulation/clinical trials
- repeat an experiment/a test/an analysis
- replicate a study/the results/the findings
- observe/study/examine/investigate/assess a pattern/a process/a behaviour
- fund/support the research/project/study
- seek/provide/get/secure funding for research
- collect/gather/extract data/information
- yield data/evidence/similar findings/the same results
- analyse/examine the data/soil samples/a specimen
- consider/compare/interpret the results/findings
- fit the data/model
- confirm/support/verify a prediction/a hypothesis/the results/the findings
- prove a conjecture/hypothesis/theorem
- draw/make/reach the same conclusions
- read/review the records/literature
- describe/report an experiment/a study
- present/publish/summarize the results/findings
- present/publish/read/review/cite a paper in a scientific journal
- Her hypothesis concerns the role of electromagnetic radiation.
- Their study is based on the hypothesis that language simplification is possible.
- It is possible to make a hypothesis on the basis of this graph.
- None of the hypotheses can be rejected at this stage.
- Scientists have proposed a bold hypothesis.
- She used this data to test her hypothesis
- The hypothesis predicts that children will perform better on task A than on task B.
- The results confirmed his hypothesis on the use of modal verbs.
- These observations appear to support our working hypothesis.
- a speculative hypothesis concerning the nature of matter
- an interesting hypothesis about the development of language
- Advances in genetics seem to confirm these hypotheses.
- His hypothesis about what dreams mean provoked a lot of debate.
- Research supports the hypothesis that language skills are centred in the left side of the brain.
- The survey will be used to test the hypothesis that people who work outside the home are fitter and happier.
- This economic model is really a working hypothesis.
- speculative
- concern something
- be based on something
- predict something
- on a/the hypothesis
- hypothesis about
- hypothesis concerning
Want to learn more?
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