hypothesis

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   An idea put forward to explain something, which can then be tested.

   The scientists ran experiments to test their hypothesis about the disease.

2. 2
   noun

   Something assumed to be true for the sake of argument.

   Let's accept that hypothesis for a moment and see where it leads.

Recorded since 1596, from Middle French hypothese, from Late Latin hypothesis, from Ancient Greek ὑπόθεσις (hupóthesis, “base, basis of an argument, supposition”, literally “a placing under”), itself from ὑποτίθημι (hupotíthēmi, “to set before, suggest”), from ὑπό (hupó, “below”) + τίθημι (títhēmi, “to put, place”). Compare hypothec.

Topics