01 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 t…
pl.
Hypotheses ((#))
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1.
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.“An hypothesis being a mere supposition, there are no other limits to hypotheses than those of the human imagination.” — J. S. Mill.
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2.
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.(Natural Science)
Phrases & compounds
Nebular hypothesis —
See under Nebular.
Syn.
Supposition; assumption. See Theory.