Definition

1. Verb:
   • To propose or assume something as a hypothesis; to form a tentative explanation or theory based on limited evidence. It means to put forward an idea or supposition for the sake of argument or as a starting point for further investigation, without claiming it is proven true.

Usage

• Hypothesise is used to describe the intellectual act of creating a hypothesis. It is often used in academic, scientific, and formal contexts.
• It is typically followed by a -clause or used with a direct object (what is being hypothesised).
• The spelling hypothesize is more common in American English, while hypothesise is common in British English. Both are correct.

Examples

• Verb:
  • The researchers hypothesise that the new drug will reduce inflammation.
  • We can only hypothesise about the causes of the ancient civilization's collapse.
  • She hypothesised a link between sleep patterns and productivity.

Advanced Usage

• "To hypothesise about something": to form hypotheses concerning a particular topic.
  • It is too early to hypothesise about the long-term effects.
• Used in the passive voice: "It is hypothesised that...".
  • It was hypothesised that the chemical reaction required a catalyst.

Variants and Related Words

• Hypothesis (n): A proposed explanation made on the basis of limited evidence.
• Hypothetical (adj): Based on or involving a hypothesis; supposed but not necessarily real or true.
• Hypothesizer/Hypothesiser (n): One who hypothesises.

Synonyms

• Suppose: To assume something is the case for the sake of argument or as a basis for reasoning.
• Postulate: To suggest or assume the existence, fact, or truth of something as a basis for reasoning.
• Theorise: To form a theory or theories about something.
• Speculate: To form a theory or conjecture without firm evidence.

Antonyms

• Prove: To demonstrate the truth or existence of something by evidence or argument.
• Know: To be aware of through observation, inquiry, or information.
• Confirm: To establish the truth or correctness of something previously believed or suspected.

Related Phrases

• Form a hypothesis: The process of creating a hypothesised explanation.
  • The first step is to form a hypothesis based on your observations.
• Working hypothesis: A hypothesis adopted as a basis for further research.
  • Our working hypothesis is that user error caused the system failure.

Verb

1. to believe especially on uncertain or tentative grounds
   • Scientists supposed that large dinosaurs lived in swamps