Hypothesis
[haɪ'pɒθɪsɪs] or [haɪ'pɑθəsɪs]
Definition
(noun.) a tentative insight into the natural world; a concept that is not yet verified but that if true would explain certain facts or phenomena; 'a scientific hypothesis that survives experimental testing becomes a scientific theory'; 'he proposed a fresh theory of alkalis that later was accepted in chemical practices'.
(noun.) a proposal intended to explain certain facts or observations.
Checked by Gardner--From WordNet
Definition
(n.) A supposition; a proposition or principle which is supposed or taken for granted, in order to draw a conclusion or inference for proof of the point in question; something not proved, but assumed for the purpose of argument, or to account for a fact or an occurrence; as, the hypothesis that head winds detain an overdue steamer.
(n.) A tentative theory or supposition provisionally adopted to explain certain facts, and to guide in the investigation of others; hence, frequently called a working hypothesis.
Edited by Kitty
Synonyms and Synonymous
n. Supposition, theory.
Inputed by Elizabeth
Definition
n. a supposition: a proposition assumed for the sake of argument: a theory to be proved or disproved by reference to facts: a provisional explanation of anything.—v.i. Hypoth′esize to form hypotheses.—adjs. Hypothet′ic -al belonging to a hypothesis: conditional.—adv. Hypothet′ically.
Typist: Perry
Examples
- From this relation of impressions, and identity of ideas, the passion arises, according to my hypothesis. David Hume. A Treatise of Human Nature.
- Mo reover, the electrical theory of matter lends support to the hypothesis that there is a fundamental unitary element underlying all the so-called elements. Walter Libby. An Introduction to the History of Science.
- But farther, what must become of all our particular perceptions upon this hypothesis? David Hume. A Treatise of Human Nature.
- This hypothesis is not otherwise intelligible. David Hume. A Treatise of Human Nature.
- This is the reasoning I form in conformity to my hypothesis; and am pleased to find upon trial that every thing answers exactly to my expectation. David Hume. A Treatise of Human Nature.
- Each may form his own hypothesis upon the present evidence, and yours is as likely to be correct as mine. Arthur Conan Doyle. The Return of Sherlock Holmes.
- Sir William Herschel's observations, extended over many years, confirmed both the nebular hypothesis and the theory of the systemat ic arrangement of the stars. Walter Libby. An Introduction to the History of Science.
- In short, says Dalton, I was obliged to abandon the hypothesis of the chemical constitution of the atmosphere altogether as irrecon cilable to the phenomena. Walter Libby. An Introduction to the History of Science.
- For on e thing, the scientific hypothesis is necessary to the experimenter. Walter Libby. An Introduction to the History of Science.
- To this Laplace is said to have replied: Fi rst Citizen Consul, I have not had need of that hypothesis. Walter Libby. An Introduction to the History of Science.
- At this point in the i nvestigation it is permissible to venture an hypothesis in reference to the essen tial character of heat. Walter Libby. An Introduction to the History of Science.
- What is to be learned from this rapid sketch, of the discovery of the radioactive substances, concerning the nature and value of scientific hypothesis? Walter Libby. An Introduction to the History of Science.
- Hypothesis is confirmed and modified by action, and action is guided by hypothesis. Walter Lippmann. A Preface to Politics.
- The passions, therefore, must depend upon principles, that operate in such certain degrees, according to my hypothesis. David Hume. A Treatise of Human Nature.
- The fact that it was retreating from the scene of battle lent colour to this hypothesis. Edgar Rice Burroughs. The Gods of Mars.
- The ephemeral nature of the vast majority of hypotheses and the dange r to progress of accepting an unverified assumption justify the demand for demonstrative e vidence. Walter Libby. An Introduction to the History of Science.
- Yet there are some hypotheses that prima facie deserve more attention than others. Walter Lippmann. A Preface to Politics.
- What a plurality of hypotheses does for the scientific investigator, a plurality of stated aims may do for the instructor. John Dewey. Democracy and Education.
- The path of scientific progress is strewn with the ruins of overthrown hypotheses. Walter Libby. An Introduction to the History of Science.
- These may not seem pleasant hypotheses; yet, by comparison, they were welcome. Charlotte Bronte. Villette.
- As to the concurrence, there is only the choice left betwixt these two hypotheses. David Hume. A Treatise of Human Nature.
- The conjunction of this desire and aversion with love and hatred may be accounted for by two different hypotheses. David Hume. A Treatise of Human Nature.
Inputed by Bruno