Hypothesis — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /hī-ˈpä-thə-səs/ hy·poth·e·sis

Meaning & Definition of Hypothesis

Hypothesis (noun)

  1. a proposed explanation for something (such as a phenomenon of unknown cause) that is tentatively assumed in order to test whether it agrees with facts that are known or can be determined
  2. a predicted or anticipated outcome
  3. an assumption or concession made for the sake of argument

Hypothesis (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. an idea that is the starting point for making a case or conducting an investigation

    "working on the hypothesis that teenagers function better in the late morning, some high schools are starting classes later"

    similar: proposition, supposition, theory, thesis
    related: assumption, concession, premise, presumption, presupposition, theorem, conjecture, generalization, guess, guesswork, inference, speculation, surmise, proffer, proposal, suggestion, feeling, hunch, impression, inkling, notion, suspicion, abstraction, concept, conception, construct
    near: assurance, certainty, fact, knowledge

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Hypothesis

The most common words with a similar meaning to Hypothesis:

proposition, supposition, theory, thesis

Related Words for Hypothesis

assumption, concession, premise, presumption, presupposition, theorem, conjecture, generalization, guess, guesswork, inference, speculation, surmise, proffer, proposal, suggestion, feeling, hunch, impression, inkling, notion, suspicion, abstraction, concept, conception, construct

Near Antonyms of Hypothesis

assurance, certainty, fact, knowledge

Word Forms of Hypothesis

Inflections: hypotheses

Origin & Etymology of Hypothesis

Greek, from hypotithenai to put under, suppose, from hypo- + tithenai to put do

First known use: 1846

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Hypothesis

Words & Phrases Containing Hypothesis

nebular hypothesis, null hypothesis, planetesimal hypothesis, Whorfian hypothesis, counterhypothesis

Frequently Asked Questions about Hypothesis

What does "Hypothesis" mean?

"Hypothesis" means a proposed explanation for something (such as a phenomenon of unknown cause) that is tentatively assumed in order to test whether it agrees with facts that are known or can be determined. As a noun, it is defined as: a proposed explanation for something (such as a phenomenon of unknown cause) that is tentatively assumed in order to test whether it agrees with facts that are known or can be determined.

What is another word for "Hypothesis"?

Other words for "Hypothesis" include proposition, supposition, theory and thesis. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Hypothesis" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Hypothesis"?

There are 30 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Hypothesis". Common alternatives include proposition, supposition, theory and thesis.

How do you use "Hypothesis" in a sentence?

Examples of "Hypothesis" in a sentence: "working on the hypothesis that teenagers function better in the late morning, some high schools are starting classes later".

Is "Hypothesis" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Hypothesis" is a noun.

Is "Hypothesis" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a B2-level word, "Hypothesis" is typical of Cambridge B2 First (FCE), IELTS band 5.5–6.5, TOEFL iBT 72–94, PTE Academic 59–75, TOEIC Listening & Reading 785+. It is on the Academic Word List, so it appears often in IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, and university texts.

How do you pronounce "Hypothesis"?

"Hypothesis" is pronounced /hī-ˈpä-thə-səs/ and divided into syllables as hy·poth·e·sis.

What is the origin of the word "Hypothesis"?

"Hypothesis" comes from Greek, from hypotithenai to put under, suppose, from hypo- + tithenai to put do. First known use: 1846.