Hypothesis
A tentative explanation or educated guess that can be tested through observation and experimentation.
nounHypothesis
A tentative explanation or educated guess that can be tested through observation and experimentation.
nounImagine This
Picture a scientist at a chalkboard who notices a pattern in plant growth. She proposes a guess about why sunlight affects growth and writes it as a testable statement on the board. This guess is the hypothesis, which she then tests with controlled experiments.
Sounds Like
hai-POH-thuh-sis
Looks Like
Hypo- + thesis, visually resembles the parts 'hypo' (under) and 'thesis' (proposition)
Remember This
A hypothesis is testable and falsifiable; it is not a proven fact. If repeatedly tested and supported by evidence, a hypothesis can contribute to forming a theory.
Other Forms
Connect With
theory, conjecture, supposition, educated guess, postulate, premise
Note
Tip: phrase hypotheses as testable statements (e.g., 'If X happens, then Y will occur'). Distinguish between hypothesis (testable guess) and theory (well-supported explanation). Also, note the plural form is hypotheses; the verb form is hypothesize.