Definition

1. Verb:
   • To propose or assume as a hypothesis: To put forward an idea or explanation as a tentative assumption to be tested or used as a basis for reasoning, investigation, or argument.
   • To believe or suppose on uncertain grounds: To form a belief or conclusion based on incomplete evidence or as a starting point for further inquiry.

Usage

• Transitive Verb: Used with a direct object, often a clause introduced by 'that'.
  • Scientists hypothesize that the phenomenon is caused by solar activity.
• Intransitive Verb: Used without a direct object.
  • Without more data, we can only hypothesize.

Examples

• Transitive Usage:
  • The researcher hypothesized a link between diet and sleep patterns.
  • We can hypothesize that the ancient city was abandoned due to climate change.
• Intransitive Usage:
  • It's easy to hypothesize, but proving it is the challenge.
  • Until we run the experiment, we are merely hypothesizing.

Advanced Usage

• Hypothesize about: To form hypotheses concerning a particular topic.
  • Astronomers hypothesize about the composition of exoplanets.
• Used in formal, academic, and scientific contexts to describe the initial, speculative stage of the scientific method.

Variants and Related Words

• Hypothesis (n): A supposition or proposed explanation made on the basis of limited evidence as a starting point for further investigation.
  • She tested her hypothesis in the laboratory.
• Hypothetical (adj): Based on or serving as a hypothesis; supposed but not necessarily real or true.
  • Let's consider a hypothetical situation.
• Hypothesizer (n): One who hypothesizes.

Synonyms

• Postulate: To suggest or assume the existence, fact, or truth of (something) as a basis for reasoning, discussion, or belief.
• Theorize: To form a theory or theories about something.
• Speculate: To form a theory or conjecture about a subject without firm evidence.
• Suppose: To assume that something is the case on the basis of evidence or probability but without proof or certain knowledge.
• Posit: To assume as a fact; to put forward as a basis of argument.

Antonyms

• Prove: To demonstrate the truth or existence of (something) by evidence or argument.
• Know: To be aware of through observation, inquiry, or information.
  • We know the formula works; we do not need to hypothesize about it.
• Confirm: To establish the truth or correctness of (something previously believed or suspected to be the case).

Related Phrases and Idioms

• As a working hypothesis: A hypothesis adopted provisionally as a basis for further research or investigation.
  • We will use this model as a working hypothesis.
• To hypothesize from first principles: To construct a hypothesis based on basic, foundational assumptions rather than on observed phenomena.
  • The physicist hypothesized from first principles.

Verb

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