hypothesis
nounattested in dialogue
- United Kingdom//haɪˈpɒθɪsɪs//
- United Kingdom//hɪˈpɒθɪsɪs//
- United Kingdom//həˈpɒθɪsɪs//
- United Kingdom//-əsəs//
- United Kingdom//-əsɪs//
A tentative conjecture explaining an observation, phenomenon or scientific problem and that can be tested by further observation, investigation, or experimentation.
noun
- 1
A tentative conjecture explaining an observation, phenomenon or scientific problem and that can be tested by further observation, investigation, or experimentation.
This hypothesis goes by many names, including group resistence, the threshold effect, and the gender paradox. Because the hypothesis holds such wide appeal, it is worth revisiting the logic behind it. The hypothesis is built on the factual observation that fewer females than males act antisocially.
- 2
An assumption taken to be true for the purpose of argument or investigation.
- 3
The antecedent of a conditional statement.
Etymology
Recorded since 1596, from Middle French hypothese, from Late Latin hypothesis, from Ancient Greek ὑπόθεσις (hupóthesis, “base, basis of an argument, supposition”, literally “a placing under”), itself from ὑποτίθημι (hupotíthēmi, “to set before, suggest”), from ὑπό (hupó, “below”) + τίθημι (títhēmi, “to put, place”). Compare hypothec.
Forms
- plural
- hypotheses
hypothesis · A tentative conjecture explaining an observation, phenomenon or scientific problem and that can be tested by further observation, investigation, or…
hypothetical · Based upon a hypothesis; conjectural.hypothetically · In a hypothetical way; as a hypothesis.hysteria · Behavior exhibiting excessive or uncontrollable emotions, in…