YOUR VOCABULARY, ONE WORD AT A TIME

hypothesis

Noun

IPA /haɪˈpɒθəsɪs/

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Meaning in plain English

A possible explanation that can be tested using evidence.

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Pronunciation

hypothesis/haɪˈpɒθəsɪs/

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Follow the idea

A possible explanation
Gather evidence to test it
Does the evidence support it?

A hypothesis is a proposed explanation to test, not a fact to assume.

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Examples in context

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My hypothesis was that the plant grew faster beside the window.
The students designed an experiment to test their hypothesis.

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My ________ was that the plant grew faster beside the window.

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hypothesis — A possible explanation that can be tested using evidence.

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A possible explanation that can be tested using evidence.

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Word origin

Through Latin from Greek hupothesis, meaning foundation, from elements meaning under and placing.

Did you know?

The plural of hypothesis is hypotheses.

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