Hypothetical: meaning, definitions and examples

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hypothetical

[ hʌɪˈpɒθɪtɪk(ə)l ]

^{Context #1}

in science

Based on or serving as a hypothesis; conjectural.

Synonyms

speculative, suppositional, theoretical

Examples of usage

Hypothetical scenarios are often used in scientific experiments.
The scientists presented a hypothetical situation to test their theory.
The results are purely hypothetical at this point.

^{Context #2}

in philosophy

Of, based on, or serving as a hypothesis.

Synonyms

conjectural, presumed, putative

Examples of usage

The philosopher discussed a hypothetical scenario to explore different possibilities.
Her argument was built on a hypothetical premise.

^{Context #3}

general

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

Synonyms

assumption, conjecture, presumption

Examples of usage

The detective presented a hypothetical about the crime to his team.
Let's consider a hypothetical to understand the situation better.

Translations

Translations of the word "hypothetical" in other languages:

🇵🇹 hipotético

🇮🇳 काल्पनिक

🇩🇪 hypothetisch

🇮🇩 hipotetis

🇺🇦 гіпотетичний

🇵🇱 hipotetyczny

🇯🇵 仮説上の

🇫🇷 hypothétique

🇪🇸 hipotético

🇹🇷 varsayımsal

🇰🇷 가설의

🇸🇦 افتراضي

🇨🇿 hypotetický

🇸🇰 hypotetický

🇨🇳 假设的

🇸🇮 hipotetičen

🇮🇸 tilgátulegur

🇰🇿 гипотетикалық

🇬🇪 ჰიპოთეტური

🇦🇿 hipotetik

🇲🇽 hipotético

Word origin

The word 'hypothetical' originated in the late 16th century, derived from the Greek word 'hupothetikos', meaning 'suppositional'. It entered the English language through the Latin 'hypotheticus'. The use of 'hypothetical' has been prevalent in scientific and philosophical contexts, where conjectural explanations and suppositions play a crucial role in advancing knowledge and understanding.