WordValehypothesis
a proposed explanation to be tested
a proposed explanation to be tested
In more detail
1. (noun) a suggested idea or theory that you believe might be true but have not yet tested or proved
2. (noun) a prediction or proposed explanation based on limited evidence, used as a starting point for further investigation
Examples
- 1. Scientists formed a hypothesis that the new drug would reduce symptoms.
- 2. Her hypothesis was that regular exercise improves mental health.
How to use hypothesis
A hypothesis is an educated guess or tentative explanation that precedes investigation or experimentation, particularly in scientific contexts. It differs from theory in that a theory has substantial supporting evidence, while a hypothesis is preliminary and awaits testing. The term is used in both formal research and everyday reasoning about unproven ideas.
Common phrases
- test a hypothesis
- propose a hypothesis
- confirm a hypothesis
- reject a hypothesis
- working hypothesis
- null hypothesis
Synonyms
theory · conjecture · supposition · assumption · proposition
Opposites
fact · certainty · proof
Word family
hypothetical (adjective) · hypothetically (adverb) · hypothesize (verb)
A common mistake
Learners sometimes use hypothesis to mean a proven fact or final conclusion, when it specifically refers to an unproven proposition to be investigated.
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