What does hypothesise mean?
To hypothesise is to propose an idea or explanation without claiming that it has been proved. The word commonly appears in research, science, history, and other forms of careful analysis, where an observer develops a tentative account and then seeks evidence that could support or challenge it. For example, a researcher may hypothesise that a change in temperature affects animal behaviour. “Hypothesise” describes the intellectual act of making the proposal, whereas “hypothesis” names the proposition itself. Although everyday speakers sometimes say that a person “hypothesises”, the word is more characteristic of formal and academic writing than of casual conversation. It conveys disciplined curiosity: an idea is being proposed as a reasoned possibility rather than presented as a certainty. The British spelling "hypothesise" is paired with the American spelling "hypothesize".
verbTo propose or put forward an idea or explanation as a tentative explanation of something. The proposed explanation may subsequently be tested against evidence.
- To propose an idea, explanation, or interpretation as a tentative possibility.
- To infer or suppose something on the basis of limited or incomplete information.
"Researchers hypothesise that the decline is partly caused by changes in habitat."
"The scientists hypothesised that the signal might come from a distant galaxy."
"It is often hypothesised that the custom developed from an earlier ritual."
To hypothesise is to make a careful guess respectable: a hypothesis is an idea prepared to face the evidence.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does hypothesise come from?
The verb was formed in the 19th century from "hypothesis" and the combining form "-ize". "Hypothesis" comes through Latin from Greek hypóthesis, literally a placing under, from hypó "under" and thésis "placing". The same Greek root appears in cognates such as "thesis", "synthesis", and "synthetic".
Related word forms
How hypothesise is actually used
The verb is formal and common in academic, scientific, and analytical contexts. British English generally uses "hypothesise", while US English generally uses "hypothesize"; both forms are understood internationally.
Easily confused with hypothesise
"Hypothesise" and "hypothesize" have the same meaning and differ chiefly in spelling convention: the former is chiefly British and the latter chiefly American.