“hypotheses” is a form of
hypothesis
UK /haɪˈpɒθɪsɪs/ · US [haɪˈpʰɑθəsɪs] noun
Forms hypotheses
- noun (sciences) A tentative conjecture explaining an observation, phenomenon or scientific problem and that can be tested by further observation, investigation, or experimentation.
- noun (general) An assumption taken to be true for the purpose of argument or investigation.
- noun (grammar) The antecedent of a conditional statement.
Synonyms
educated guess guess supposition conjecture thesis theory[Appendix:Glossary assumption foreguess given hunch inference posit possibility postulation presumption reckoning speculation surmise suspicion theory surmisal
Etymology
Recorded since 1596, from Middle French hypothese, from Late Latin hypothesis, from Ancient Greek ὑπόθεσις (hupóthesis, “base, basis of an argument, supposition”, literally “a placing under”), itself from ὑποτίθημι (hupotíthēmi, “to set before, suggest”), from ὑπό (hupó, “below”) + τίθημι (títhēmi, “to put, place”). Compare hypothec.
Webster’s 1913
- noun 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.
- noun 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.
Etymology [NL., fr. Gr. Hypo-, Thesis.]
Sources: Wiktionary · WordNet 3.0 · Webster’s 1913 — from the Wiktionary entry “hypothesis”, CC BY-SA 4.0. Details