English · Word Candidate

hypothesis

/haɪˈpɒθɪsɪs/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: hypotheses

Sense 1

Meaning · English

A tentative conjecture explaining an observation, phenomenon or scientific problem and that can be tested by further observation, investigation, or experimentation.

Noun

Examples

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.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

An assumption taken to be true for the purpose of argument or investigation.

Noun

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “hypothesis” mean?

A tentative conjecture explaining an observation, phenomenon or scientific problem and that can be tested by further observation, investigation, or experimentation.

Is “hypothesis” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.