hypothesis
hy-POTH-uh-sis
/haɪˈpɒθəsɪs/
A testable, proposed explanation made on the basis of limited evidence as a starting point for empirical investigation.
Must be capable of being tested and proven wrong (falsifiable) to qualify as a valid scientific hypothesis.
The story behind the word. In Greek, 'hypothesis' literally meant 'a foundation' or 'placing under'. Just as a house needs a foundation placed beneath it, a scientific argument needs a hypothesis placed underneath as its starting support.
Word relationships
- proposition: 'Proposition' is a broad statement put forth for argument, whereas 'hypothesis' must be empirically testable.
- theory: In science, a 'theory' is an extensively tested, well-supported framework, whereas a 'hypothesis' is an initial unproven proposal.
- proven fact: A 'proven fact' is empirically verified, whereas a 'hypothesis' is an unverified proposed explanation.
Commonly confused with
- theory: A hypothesis is an initial testable guess; a theory is a heavily tested, well-substantiated scientific explanation.
Word family
- hypothetical (adjective): Based on or serving as a hypothesis; supposed.
- hypothesize (verb): To put forward a hypothesis.
Collocations
- test a hypothesis
- formulate a hypothesis
- working hypothesis
- support the hypothesis
Example sentences
- "The biologist formulated a hypothesis that the decline in local bee populations was linked to the recent introduction of a specific pesticide." Environmental research
- "No amount of experimentation can ever prove me right; a single experiment can prove my hypothesis wrong." Theoretical physics
Memory hook
HYPO-THESIS: A statement placed UNDER existing evidence for testing. A testable starting assumption placed under research.
When not to use
Do not use for a fully proven scientific law or a completely untestable personal opinion.
Fun facts
- In scientific terminology, a hypothesis is tested repeatedly; if supported across many experiments, it may contribute to a scientific theory.
Related words
Explore more words
falsifiable, experiment, theory, conclusion, empirical, replicable
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