Hypothesis: meaning, definitions and examples

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hypothesis

 

[ haɪˈpɒθɪsɪs ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

scientific research

A supposition or proposed explanation made on the basis of limited evidence as a starting point for further investigation.

Synonyms

assumption, presumption, theory

Examples of usage

  • Their hypothesis was that light could be both a wave and a particle.
  • The scientist tested her hypothesis through a series of experiments.
Context #2 | Noun

everyday usage

A proposition made as a basis for reasoning, without the assumption of its truth.

Synonyms

conjecture, guess, speculation

Examples of usage

  • Let's start with the hypothesis that everyone is capable of change.
  • The success of the project hinges on the validity of this hypothesis.

Translations

Translations of the word "hypothesis" in other languages:

🇵🇹 hipótese

🇮🇳 परिकल्पना

🇩🇪 Hypothese

🇮🇩 hipotesis

🇺🇦 гіпотеза

🇵🇱 hipoteza

🇯🇵 仮説 (かせつ)

🇫🇷 hypothèse

🇪🇸 hipótesis

🇹🇷 hipotez

🇰🇷 가설 (Gaseol)

🇸🇦 فرضية

🇨🇿 hypotéza

🇸🇰 hypotéza

🇨🇳 假设 (jiǎshè)

🇸🇮 hipoteza

🇮🇸 tilgáta

🇰🇿 гипотеза

🇬🇪 ჰიპოთეზა (hipot’ez'a)

🇦🇿 hipotez

🇲🇽 hipótesis

Etymology

The word 'hypothesis' originated from the Greek word 'hupothesis', meaning 'foundation' or 'supposition'. In scientific contexts, the concept of hypothesis has been instrumental in the development of theories and discoveries. The idea of formulating a hypothesis as a starting point for investigation dates back to ancient Greek philosophers and has since become a fundamental aspect of scientific inquiry.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,051, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.