Hypothesis

Definition

A hypothesis is a tentative explanation for an observation, phenomenon, or scientific problem that can be tested by further investigation or experimentation.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /haɪˈpɑθəsɪs/
• Respelling: hy-POTH-uh-sis (with "hy" as in "high," "POTH" as in "pot," "uh" as in "sofa," and "sis" as in "sis")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /haɪˈpɒθɪsɪs/
• Respelling: hy-POTH-i-sis (with "hy" as in "high," "POTH" as in "pot," "i" as in "sit," and "sis" as in "sis")

In both dialects, "hypothesis" places the primary stress on the second syllable, "POTH." The pronunciation is similar across both American and British English, focusing on the clear articulation of "hy-POTH-uh-sis" or "hy-POTH-i-sis."

Etymology

"Hypothesis" comes from the Greek word "hupothesis", meaning "foundation" or "basis." It is formed from "hupo" (meaning "under") + "thesis" (meaning "a placing").

Derivatives

• Hypothesize (verb)
• Hypothetical (adjective)
• Hypothetically (adverb)
• Hypothesist (noun)
• Hypothesis-testing (noun)

Synonyms

• Proposition
• Assumption
• Conjecture

Antonyms

• Fact
• Proof
• Certainty

Usage

The term "hypothesis" is widely used in scientific research to propose explanations that can be tested through experimentation and observation. It serves as a foundation for further scientific inquiry and is essential in the scientific method.

Related Terms

• Theory
• Experiment
• Scientific method
• Null hypothesis
• Alternative hypothesis

Detailed Definition

Noun

• Scientific Explanation: A proposed explanation for a phenomenon, used as a starting point for further investigation and experimentation.
  • Example: The scientist formulated a hypothesis to explain the strange behavior of the particles.

• Tentative Idea: An idea or proposition that is based on limited evidence and requires further testing.
  • Example: Her hypothesis about the social behavior of the animals needed more data for validation.

Note: A hypothesis is central to the scientific method, serving as the foundation for experiments, observations, and further studies. It allows researchers to make predictions and advance knowledge in various fields.