Hypothetical

Based on a hypothesis or assumed for the sake of argument or exploration; not real or proven.

adjective

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Imagine This

Imagine a scientist presenting a 'what if' plan: if a new drug reduces symptoms by 50%, what would happen to patient outcomes? This is a hypothetical scenario used to discuss possibilities, not a proven result.

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Sounds Like

hy-puh-THET-ih-kəl

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Looks Like

The word resembles 'theoretical' or 'speculative'

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Remember This

Hypothetical is the adjective form of hypothesis; it describes assumptions or scenarios used for discussion or testing.

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Other Forms

hypotheticallyadverb

hypothesizeverb

hypothesisnoun

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Connect With

theoretical, speculative, supposed, assumed, scenario, conjecture, hypothesis

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Note

Do not use to describe something that has actually happened; reserve for imagined scenarios or proposed explanations. Not the same as 'theoretical' in contexts referring to established ideas.

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Study Deeper

Examples

The researchers discussed a hypothetical scenario in which funding doubles, and profits rise accordingly.
In his essay, the student considered the hypothetical consequences of a policy change.

Synonyms

speculativetheoreticalassumedconjecturalimagined

Antonyms

actualrealconcretefactual

Etymology

From Greek hypothetikos, from hypo- 'under' + thesis 'placing, proposition'; via Latin hypotheticus and French hypothetical, into English as hypothetical.

Mnemonic

Mnemonic: hypo (under) + thesis (placing). Picture a thesis placed under discussion: an idea that is being tested rather than proven.