hypothesis
C1Formal / Academic / Scientific
Definition
Meaning
A proposed explanation for an observation or phenomenon, made as a starting point for further investigation and testing.
A tentative theory, assumption, or supposition used in reasoning, especially in scientific contexts, or any unproven idea taken as a basis for discussion or action.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Refers to an unproven proposition that is subject to verification through evidence and experimentation. It is a core concept in the scientific method. The plural is 'hypotheses'.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant semantic difference. Pronunciation of the final syllable is more distinct in RP, closer to '-si:s' / -siːs /, while in GA it's often '-səs' / -sɪs /. Spelling is identical. Usage is equally frequent in academic contexts.
Connotations
Equally formal and scientific in both variants. No notable connotative divergence.
Frequency
Equally high frequency in academic and scientific writing in both BrE and AmE. Slightly less common in informal speech.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
NOUN + VERB (The hypothesis states/suggests/posits...)VERB + NOUN (to test/formulate/propose a hypothesis)ADJECTIVE + NOUN (a testable/working/plausible hypothesis)PREPOSITION + NOUN (on the hypothesis that, according to this hypothesis)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “The Working Hypothesis: A temporary hypothesis used as a basis for action or further research until more data is available.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Used metaphorically in strategy: 'Our hypothesis is that expanding into Asia will increase market share.'
Academic
Very high frequency. Core term in scientific papers, research proposals, and methodology sections across all disciplines.
Everyday
Low frequency. Used by educated speakers in discussions about reasoning or untested ideas. 'That's just a hypothesis, you need evidence.'
Technical
High frequency in scientific and technical fields, especially in statistics (null hypothesis, alternative hypothesis) and experimental research.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- Researchers hypothesise that the new variant is more transmissible.
- We can only hypothesise about the cause of the anomaly.
American English
- Researchers hypothesize that the new variant is more transmissible.
- We can only hypothesize about the cause of the anomaly.
adverb
British English
- He spoke hypothetically about future mergers.
- We are proceeding hypothesisedly, pending further results. (rare)
American English
- He spoke hypothetically about future mergers.
- We are proceeding hypothesizedly, pending further results. (rare)
adjective
British English
- The data yielded several hypothesised relationships.
- This is a purely hypothetical scenario.
American English
- The data yielded several hypothesized relationships.
- This is a purely hypothetical scenario.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- My hypothesis is that the plant needs more water.
- It was just a guess, not a real hypothesis.
- Scientists have a new hypothesis about why dinosaurs died out.
- You need to test your hypothesis with an experiment.
- The initial hypothesis was disproven by the data collected in the field study.
- She formulated her research hypothesis after reviewing the relevant literature.
- The study's findings failed to corroborate the central hypothesis posited by the authors, necessitating a revision of the theoretical framework.
- Our working hypothesis is that the intervention will yield a significant effect size, but this remains to be statistically validated.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'hypo-' (under) and 'thesis' (idea). It's the idea UNDER your investigation, the foundation you're testing.
Conceptual Metaphor
A HYPOTHESIS IS A FOUNDATION (for building knowledge), A HYPOTHESIS IS A PATH (to be followed by investigation).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'гипотеза' (the direct translation; they are generally equivalent). However, 'hypothesis' is more strictly tied to formal testing than the sometimes broader Russian 'гипотеза'. Avoid using 'theory' ('теория') as a direct synonym, as it implies a higher level of confirmation.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'hypothesis' and 'theory' interchangeably in scientific contexts (a theory is a well-substantiated explanation, a hypothesis is a testable proposal).
- Misspelling the plural as 'hypothesis' or 'hypothesises' instead of 'hypotheses'.
- Pronouncing the plural 'hypotheses' as /haɪˈpɒθ.ə.siːz/ (it's /haɪˈpɒθ.ə.siːz/ in careful speech, but often simplified).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary relationship between a hypothesis and a theory in science?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The correct plural is 'hypotheses' (pronounced /haɪˈpɒθ.ə.siːz/).
In statistics, the null hypothesis is a default position that there is no relationship or no effect between measured phenomena. It is what an experiment seeks to reject or nullify.
It is a formal, academic word. In everyday conversation, words like 'idea', 'theory', or 'guess' are more common, though 'hypothesis' can be used for emphasis on logical reasoning.
Yes, it can be used in any context where a reasoned but unproven explanation or assumption is being discussed, such as in history, business strategy, or detective work, though its core domain remains scientific.
Collections
Part of a collection
Science and Technology
B1 · 47 words · Basic scientific concepts and modern technology.
Abstract Thinking
B2 · 49 words · Words for ideas, reasoning and intellectual concepts.
Science and Research
B2 · 43 words · Academic and scientific research methodology.
Critical Thinking
C1 · 49 words · Vocabulary for structured logical reasoning and analysis.
Scientific Terminology
C1 · 44 words · Precise vocabulary used in scientific disciplines.