hypothetical
assumed or entertained as a theoretical possibility, invented example, premise for argument’s sake, etc.; supposed: In the hypothetical case that you miss your flight or it is delayed, you will need a contingency plan.
relating to or characterized by the use of assumptions for argument’s sake or of provisional, informed conjectures to guide investigation: Science depends on hypothetical reasoning.
Logic.
(of a proposition) highly conjectural; not well supported by available evidence.
(of a proposition or syllogism) conditional (def. 3).
tending to resort to theoretical assumptions, conditional propositions, invented examples, etc., especially unrealistic ones; speculative: His stuff is fun to read, but he’s so hypothetical I can’t take him seriously.Stop the worry spiral in your mind before your thoughts become too hypothetical.
a hypothetical situation, instance, etc.: The Secretary of Defense refused to discuss hypotheticals with the reporters.
Origin of hypothetical
1Other words for hypothetical
Other words from hypothetical
- hy·po·thet·i·cal·ly, adverb
- un·hy·po·thet·i·cal, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use hypothetical in a sentence
An improved and enlarged edition of this hypothetic "Progonotaxis hominis" was published in 1908, in my essay Unsere Ahnenreihe.
Evolution in Modern Thought | Ernst HaeckelHe was acting on hypothetic grounds, but this was the sort of action that had the keenest interest for his diplomatic mind.
Romola | George EliotIt is here that the relation of the hypothetic transformistic principle to our concept of entelechy is concerned.
The Science and Philosophy of the Organism | Hans DrieschThe brown eyes blazed on him with the anger meant for his hypothetic slanderer.
Ambrotox and Limping Dick | Oliver FlemingWhen disproved, it is shown to have been a false supposition; when proved, it is no longer hypothetic.
An Introduction to the History of Science | Walter Libby
British Dictionary definitions for hypothetical
hypothetic
/ (ˌhaɪpəˈθɛtɪkəl) /
having the nature of a hypothesis
assumed or thought to exist
logic another word for conditional (def. 4)
existing only as an idea or concept: a time machine is a hypothetical device
Derived forms of hypothetical
- hypothetically, adverb
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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