hypothesis

hypothesis — noun

1. a carefully reasoned idea that offers a possible explanation for a set of facts

1.名詞B2
釋義

a carefully reasoned idea that offers a possible explanation for a set of facts or observations, designed to be tested through experiments or further research to determine whether it is valid

例句

Dr. Amira formed a hypothesis about the cause of the outbreak before running any tests.

collocation: form a hypothesis

The team spent two years gathering data to test their hypothesis that rising temperatures affect bird migration.

hypothesis + that-clause for proposed explanation

同義詞
  • theory

    a broader, more established set of principles; a theory has usually survived repeated testing, whereas a hypothesis is still being examined

  • proposition

    more formal and general; can be logical rather than empirical in nature

  • thesis

    typically refers to a central argument in an academic paper or dissertation

反義詞
  • fact

    something known to be true through evidence, not merely proposed

  • proof

    evidence that confirms a hypothesis with certainty

文法句型

hypothesis + that-clause

to form/develop/test a hypothesis

用法筆記

In academic and scientific contexts, a hypothesis is specifically a claim that can be tested through experimentation or observation — it is not simply any vague idea. The plural form is hypotheses.

常見錯誤

❌My hypothesis is that it might rain tomorrow.
✅My hypothesis is that increased humidity leads to a higher probability of rainfall.
💡A hypothesis must be testable, not just a casual prediction about a specific event.

2. a speculative assumption or opinion adopted as a starting point for reasoning or

2.名詞B2
釋義

a speculative assumption or opinion adopted as a starting point for reasoning or action, formed from limited or unverified information rather than confirmed facts

例句

The detective worked on the hypothesis that the theft had been an inside job.

pattern: on the hypothesis that

Rodrigo's entire business plan rested on the hypothesis that demand would grow by at least twenty percent.

collocation: rest on the hypothesis that

同義詞
  • assumption

    something accepted as true without proof; often used in everyday reasoning

  • conjecture

    a more formal term for a guess based on incomplete information

  • speculation

    emphasizes the lack of firm evidence; can imply a higher degree of uncertainty

反義詞

文法句型

hypothesis + that-clause

on the hypothesis that

用法筆記

This sense is weaker and more speculative than sense 1. It is commonly preceded by on (e.g., 'on the hypothesis that') to show the basis for an argument or plan. Plural form: hypotheses.