hypotheses

Scientists test their hypotheses through careful experiments.

Definition

1. Noun (plural of ):
   • Tentative explanations: "hypotheses" are proposed explanations for a phenomenon, made as a starting point for further investigation. They are testable and subject to verification.
   • Scientific assumptions: In research, "hypotheses" are specific, testable predictions derived from a theory, often stated in an "if-then" format.

Usage Examples

• (They created tentative explanations to test.)
• (She investigated different proposed explanations.)
• (The predictions were validated by the evidence.)

Advanced Usage

• "working hypotheses": provisional hypotheses adopted as a basis for action or research, even if not fully proven.

  • The team used a working hypothesis to guide their initial experiments. (They relied on a practical, temporary assumption.)

• "null hypothesis": a statistical hypothesis that assumes no relationship or difference between variables, used as a baseline for testing.

  • The null hypothesis states that the drug has no effect. (The assumption of no effect is tested against the alternative.)

Variants and Related Words

• Hypothesis (n, singular): a single tentative explanation.

  • He proposed a new hypothesis about the origin of life. (He suggested one specific explanation.)

• Hypothesize (v): to form or propose a hypothesis.

  • Researchers hypothesize that the virus mutates rapidly. (They propose this as a tentative explanation.)

• Hypothetical (adj): based on or serving as a hypothesis; assumed for the sake of argument.

  • We discussed a hypothetical scenario where all resources are unlimited. (An imagined situation for analysis.)

Synonyms

• Theories: broader, more comprehensive explanations that integrate multiple hypotheses.
• Postulates: propositions assumed without proof as a basis for reasoning.
• Conjectures: opinions or conclusions formed on the basis of incomplete information.

Related Idioms

• "Formulate a hypothesis": to develop a clear, testable statement.

  • Before conducting the experiment, we must formulate a hypothesis. (We need to create a precise prediction.)

• "Test a hypothesis": to examine whether evidence supports or refutes it.

  • The study aimed to test the hypothesis that exercise improves memory. (They investigated this claim.)

• "Reject a hypothesis": to conclude after testing that the hypothesis is not supported by evidence.

  • The data led them to reject the hypothesis. (They found it was not valid.)