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hypothesis

hy-POTH-uh-sis /haɪˈpɒθəsɪs/

nounB2GRETOEFLIELTS

academicformal

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

It's a testable prediction, often stated as an 'if-then' statement, that can be supported or refuted through experimentation or observation.

The story behind the word. The word 'hypothesis' comes from the Greek 'hypothesis,' meaning 'foundation, supposition.' It's a combination of 'hypo-' meaning 'under, beneath' and 'thesis' meaning 'a placing, a proposition.' So, a hypothesis is literally 'that which is placed under' as a foundation or basis for argument or investigation. It's the underlying idea you start with before you build your evidence.

Word relationships

theory: A 'theory' is a well-substantiated explanation acquired through the scientific method and repeatedly tested and confirmed; a 'hypothesis' is a preliminary explanation.
conjecture: An opinion or conclusion formed on the basis of incomplete information, often less formal or evidence-based than a hypothesis.
postulate: Suggest or assume the existence, fact, or truth of (something) as a basis for reasoning, discussion, or belief.

fact: A thing that is known or proved to be true.
certainty: Firm conviction that something is true.

Commonly confused with

thesis: A 'hypothesis' is a testable prediction made early in research, while a 'thesis' is the main argument to be proven, often the conclusion of a longer work.
theory: A 'hypothesis' is an educated guess; a 'theory' is a well-supported explanation based on extensive evidence.

Word family

hypothesize (verb): to form a hypothesis
hypothetical (adjective): of, based on, or serving as a hypothesis

Collocations

formulate a hypothesis
test a hypothesis
research hypothesis
null hypothesis
alternative hypothesis

Example sentences

"The scientist formulated a hypothesis that increased sunlight exposure would lead to higher plant growth." A scientist designing an experiment.
"Before collecting any data, it is essential to clearly state your research question and the hypothesis you intend to test." A student outlining their research plan.

Memory hook

A 'HYPO' (under) 'THESIS' (idea) is an idea you put 'under' testing. Under Idea

When not to use

Do not use 'hypothesis' for a wild guess or an idea that cannot be tested. It implies a reasoned, testable proposition within a scientific or academic framework.

Fun facts

In logic, a hypothesis is the antecedent of a conditional statement (e.g., 'If X, then Y,' where 'X' is the hypothesis).