Definitions for: Hypothesis

[n] a tentative theory about the natural world; a concept that is not yet verified but that if true would explain certain facts or phenomena; "a scientific hypothesis that survives experimental testing becomes a scientific theory"; "he proposed a fresh theory of alkalis that later was accepted in chemical practices"
[n] a message expressing an opinion based on incomplete evidence
[n] a proposal intended to explain certain facts or observations

Webster (1913) Definition: Hy*poth"e*sis, n.; pl. Hypotheses. [NL., fr. Gr.
? foundation, supposition, fr. ? to place under, ? under + ?
to put. See Hypo-, Thesis.]
1. A supposition; a proposition or principle which is
supposed or taken for granted, in order to draw a
conclusion or inference for proof of the point in
question; something not proved, but assumed for the
purpose of argument, or to account for a fact or an
occurrence; as, the hypothesis that head winds detain an
overdue steamer.

An hypothesis being a mere supposition, there are no
other limits to hypotheses than those of the human
imagination. --J. S. Mill.

2. (Natural Science) A tentative theory or supposition
provisionally adopted to explain certain facts, and to
guide in the investigation of others; hence, frequently
called a working hypothesis.

Syn: Supposition; assumption. See Theory.

Nebular hypothesis. See under Nebular.

Synonyms: conjecture, guess, possibility, speculation, supposition, surmisal, surmise, theory

See Also: assumption, concept, conception, conjecture, construct, framework, model, opinion, proposal, speculation, supposal, supposition, theoretical account, view

Try our:
Scrabble Word Finder

Scrabble Cheat

Words With Friends Cheat

Hanging With Friends Cheat

Scramble With Friends Cheat

Ruzzle Cheat

Related Resources:
a letter animals