Definition

1. Noun:
   • A proposed explanation for a phenomenon, made as a starting point for further investigation. It is a statement that can be tested through experimentation or observation.
   • A tentative theory or supposition used to explain certain facts and to guide investigation. It is not yet verified but would explain specific circumstances if true.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The scientist's hypothesis was that increased sunlight would accelerate plant growth.
  • We are testing the hypothesis that social media usage affects sleep patterns.
  • Her research began with a simple hypothesis about consumer behavior.

Advanced Usage

• "Working hypothesis": A provisional idea accepted as a basis for ongoing research.
  • The initial data was scarce, so they adopted his idea as a working hypothesis.
• "Null hypothesis": In statistics, a default position that there is no relationship between two measured phenomena. It is what an experiment often aims to test against.
  • The null hypothesis stated that the new drug had no effect, which the trial sought to disprove.

Variants and Related Words

• Hypothesize (verb): To form or propose a hypothesis.
  • Researchers hypothesize a link between the two variables.
• Hypothetical (adjective): Based on or involving a hypothesis; supposed for the sake of argument.
  • Let's consider a hypothetical situation.
• Hypothetically (adverb): In a hypothetical way.
  • Speaking hypothetically, what would you do?

Synonyms

• Theory (when used tentatively before confirmation)
• Supposition
• Postulate
• Proposition
• Assumption

Related Phrases

• "To formulate a hypothesis": To develop or create a testable explanation.
  • The first step is to formulate a clear hypothesis.
• "To test a hypothesis": To conduct experiments or gather data to evaluate the truth of a hypothesis.
  • The experiment was designed to test the hypothesis rigorously.
• "To confirm/support a hypothesis": To find evidence that agrees with the proposed explanation.
  • The new data appears to support our initial hypothesis.
• "To reject a hypothesis": To conclude, based on evidence, that the proposed explanation is false.
  • The results forced them to reject the original hypothesis.

Noun

1. a message expressing an opinion based on incomplete evidence
2. a tentative insight into the natural world; a concept that is not yet verified but that if true would explain certain facts or phenomena
   • a scientific hypothesis that survives experimental testing becomes a scientific theory
   • he proposed a fresh theory of alkalis that later was accepted in chemical practices
3. a proposal intended to explain certain facts or observations