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hypothesis definition

hy·poth·esis (hī pät̸h′ə sis, hi-)

noun pl. hypotheses -·ses′ (-sēz′)

an unproved theory, proposition, supposition, etc. tentatively accepted to explain certain facts or (working hypothesis) to provide a basis for further investigation, argument, etc.

Etymology: Gr, groundwork, foundation, supposition < hypotithenai, to place under < hypo-, under + tithenai, to place: see hypo- & do

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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