hypothesize
/haɪˈpɒθ.ə.saɪz/ IELTSAcademic
verb
To suggest an idea or explanation that has not been proved yet. People hypothesize when they think something may be true and want to test it.
- Scientists hypothesize that sleep improves memory.
- She hypothesized a link between stress and illness.
- We can only hypothesize at this stage.
Adinary Nuance
Hypothesize is more formal and more scientific than guess or think. It is used when someone offers a careful explanation that still needs testing. Writers choose hypothesize when they want to sound precise, not casual.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- đưa ra giả thuyết
- Spanish
- formular una hipótesis
- Chinese
- 假设
- Japanese
- 仮説を立てる
- Korean
- 가설을 세우다
Etymology
From Greek hypothesis, meaning 'a placing under' or 'assumption'. It entered English through scientific and academic writing in the 17th century.
Common phrases
hypothesize thathypothesize abouthypothesize a linkhypothesize a cause
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is hypothesize formal?
- Yes. It is common in academic, scientific, and written English.
- What is the difference between hypothesize and guess?
- Hypothesize is a careful, testable idea. Guess is more casual and less exact.
- How do I use hypothesize in a sentence?
- Use it with that, about, or a possible cause or result: "Researchers hypothesize that pollution affects health."
- Is hypothesize the same as theorize?
- They are close. Hypothesize usually suggests a starting idea for testing, while theorize can sound broader.