B2nounformal3K

Hypothesis

UK /["/haɪˈpɒθəsɪs/","/haɪˈpɒθəsiːz/"]/US /["/haɪˈpɑːθəsɪs/","/haɪˈpɑːθəsiːz/"]/

Definition

an idea or explanation of something that is based on a few known facts but that has not yet been proved to be true or correct

In simple words: An idea or guess that can be tested.

Examples

  • The hypothesis proposed by the scientists was groundbreaking in its implications.
  • They tested their hypothesis through a series of rigorous experiments.
  • Each hypothesis needs to be analyzed and evaluated before drawing conclusions.
  • In science, a hypothesis is an initial assumption that can be tested.
  • The researchers formulated a new hypothesis to explain the observed phenomena.

Usage notes

Used mainly in academic and scientific contexts. Avoid using it in everyday conversation as it's too technical for casual discussions.

Grammar pattern

form a hypothesis

Memory hint

Think of 'hi-poth-esis' as a 'highly pondered guess'.

Collocations

  • plausible
  • bold
  • speculative
  • construct
  • develop
  • form
  • concern something
  • be based on something
  • predict something
  • on a/​the hypothesis
  • hypothesis about
  • hypothesis concerning

Synonyms

  • theory

Antonyms

  • fact
  • certainty
  • truth

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'theory' - a hypothesis is not proven yet.
  • Sometimes used as a verb, but it's only a noun.
  • Plural is often mistakenly written as 'hypothesises' instead of 'hypotheses'.