Hypothesis: meaning, pronunciation and examples
Hypothesis noun. A proposed explanation that can be tested by further investigation.
How to say it
hy-POTH-uh-sis/hʌɪˈpɒθɪsɪs/
4 syllables, stressed on the second (POTH). Forms: hypotheses.
Hypothesis in a sentence
Her hypothesis was simple: the cat only knocks things over when it’s being ignored.
The team drew up three hypotheses and ruled out two within a week.
Similar and opposite
Similar:
- theory
- proposition
- supposition
- conjecture
Where hypothesis comes from
From Greek hupothesis, a foundation or supposition, from hupo, under, and thesis, placing.
Test yourself
Which word fills the gap?
The team drew up three _____ and ruled out two within a week.
- hypothesis
- paradigm
- taxonomy
Show the answer
hypothesis: The team drew up three hypotheses and ruled out two within a week.