hypothesis
a proposition, or set of propositions, set forth as an explanation for the occurrence of some specified group of phenomena, either asserted merely as a provisional conjecture to guide investigation (working hypothesis ) or accepted as highly probable in the light of established facts.
a proposition assumed as a premise in an argument.
the antecedent of a conditional proposition.
a mere assumption or guess.
Origin of hypothesis
1synonym study For hypothesis
Other words from hypothesis
- hy·poth·e·sist, noun
- coun·ter·hy·poth·e·sis, noun, plural coun·ter·hy·poth·e·ses.
- sub·hy·poth·e·sis, noun, plural sub·hy·poth·e·ses.
Words that may be confused with hypothesis
- 1. hypothesis , law, theory (see synonym study at theory)
- 2. deduction, extrapolation, induction, generalization, hypothesis
Words Nearby hypothesis
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use hypothesis in a sentence
Each one is a set of questions we’re fascinated by and hypotheses we’re testing.
Mousa’s research hinges on the “contact hypothesis,” the idea that positive interactions among rival group members can reduce prejudices.
Interfaith soccer teams eased Muslim-Christian tensions — to a point | Sujata Gupta | August 13, 2020 | Science NewsDo more research on it, come up with a hypothesis as to why it underperforms, and try to improve it.
Guide: How to effectively incorporate customer journey mapping into your marketing strategy | Connie Benton | July 14, 2020 | Search Engine WatchNow is the time to test your hypotheses to figure out what’s changing in your customers’ worlds, and address these topics directly.
The three most critical marketing metrics to measure right now | Adam Masur | July 2, 2020 | Search Engine WatchWhether computing power alone is enough to fuel continued machine learning breakthroughs is a source of debate, but it seems clear we’ll be able to test the hypothesis.
The World’s New Fastest Supercomputer Is an Exascale Machine for AI | Jason Dorrier | June 25, 2020 | Singularity Hub
Though researchers have struggled to understand exactly what contributes to this gender difference, Dr. Rohan has one hypothesis.
The leading hypothesis for the ultimate source of the Ebola virus, and where it retreats in between outbreaks, lies in bats.
In 1996, John Paul II called the Big Bang theory “more than a hypothesis.”
Even the Pope Isn’t a Hard-Core Creationist | Barbie Latza Nadeau | October 28, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTTo be clear: There have been no double-blind or controlled studies that conclusively confirm this hair-loss hypothesis.
Birth Control Made My Hair Fall Out, and I’m Not the Only One | Molly Oswaks | October 14, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTThe bacteria-driven-ritual hypothesis ignores the huge diversity of reasons that could push someone to perform a religious ritual.
The Midichlorians Made Me Do It: Can Microbes Explain Religion? | Michael Schulson | August 10, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTAnd remember it is by our hypothesis the best possible form and arrangement of that lesson.
The Salvaging Of Civilisation | H. G. (Herbert George) WellsTaken in connection with what we know of the nebulæ, the proof of Laplace's nebular hypothesis may fairly be regarded as complete.
Outlines of the Earth's History | Nathaniel Southgate ShalerWhat has become of the letter from M. de St. Mars, said to have been discovered some years ago, confirming this last hypothesis?
To admit that there had really been any communication between the dead man and the living one is also an hypothesis.
Urania | Camille Flammarion"I consider it highly probable," asserted Aunt Maria, forgetting her Scandinavian hypothesis.
Overland | John William De Forest
British Dictionary definitions for hypothesis
/ (haɪˈpɒθɪsɪs) /
a suggested explanation for a group of facts or phenomena, either accepted as a basis for further verification (working hypothesis) or accepted as likely to be true: Compare theory (def. 5)
an assumption used in an argument without its being endorsed; a supposition
an unproved theory; a conjecture
Origin of hypothesis
1Derived forms of hypothesis
- hypothesist, noun
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
Scientific definitions for hypothesis
[ hī-pŏth′ĭ-sĭs ]
A statement that explains or makes generalizations about a set of facts or principles, usually forming a basis for possible experiments to confirm its viability.
usage For hypothesis
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
Cultural definitions for hypothesis
[ (heye-poth-uh-sis) ]
plur. hypotheses (heye-poth-uh-seez)
In science, a statement of a possible explanation for some natural phenomenon. A hypothesis is tested by drawing conclusions from it; if observation and experimentation show a conclusion to be false, the hypothesis must be false. (See scientific method and theory.)
The New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
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