Hypothetical
/ˌhaɪpəˈθɛtɪkəl/noun
Based on a hypothesis or supposed for the sake of argument rather than proven fact.
Did you know?Its root, Greek *hypóthesis*, originally meant a “placing under” or “foundation,” so the word began as a tool for building arguments, not just imagining possibilities.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
ὑπόθεσις (hypóthesis)
“A placing under; a basis, assumption, or proposition laid down for argument.”
Late Latin
Latin
hypothesis
“A proposition or assumption.”
Middle French
French
hypothèse
“An assumption or supposition.”
16th Century
English
hypothesis
“A proposition advanced as a basis for reasoning or investigation.”
19th Century
English
hypothetical
“Pertaining to a hypothesis; supposed or imagined for argument's sake.”