Hypothesis: Definition, Usage & Examples

Meaning 1：educated guess (hypothesis)

hypothesis 🔊

/haɪˈpɒθəsɪs/

An educated guess you make at the start of an investigation to explain something, before you have done enough tests to prove it.

Hypothesis explanation: researcher pointing at a 'What if...' idea on a board with diagrams

educated guess 🔊

➕

/ˈedʒ.ʊ.keɪ.tɪd ɡes/

A proposed explanation made on the basis of limited evidence as a starting point for further investigation and testing.

📁 Category：School Education 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Greek: 'hypo-' (under) + 'thesis' (placing/proposition). Literally, a proposition laid under for consideration.

💡 Mnemonic

Think: A HYPO-dermic needle goes UNDER the skin. A HYPO-thesis is an idea placed UNDER investigation, not yet proven.

📖 Example

For her school science project, Jane’s hypothesis was that listening to classical music would help plants grow taller, so she played Mozart to one group of seedlings and left another group in silence. 🔊 For her school science project, Jane's educated guess was that listening to classical music would help plants grow taller.

🔗 Collocations

test a hypothesis – To perform experiments or research to see if an idea is correct.

formulate a hypothesis – To clearly state a proposed explanation.

working hypothesis – A temporary idea accepted as the basis for further investigation.

🔄 Synonyms

theory (n.) – A well-substantiated explanation acquired through the scientific method, more robust than a hypothesis.

supposition (n.) – Something that is assumed to be true without proof.

premise (n.) – A statement or idea that forms the basis for a theory or argument.

🚫 Antonyms

fact (n.) – A thing that is known or proved to be true.

certainty (n.) – Firm conviction that something is the case.

🌱 Derivatives

hypothesize (v.) – To put forward as a hypothesis; to assume.

hypothetical (adj.) – Based on or serving as a hypothesis; supposed but not necessarily real.

📖 Cultural Story

The word comes from the Greek 'hypothesis' (foundation, basis), entering English via Late Latin. In the 16th century, it specifically meant 'a supposition made to explain phenomena'. It is the cornerstone of the scientific method, a foundational concept in modern science, law, and philosophy.