hypothesize
gb/haɪpˈɑθəsˌaɪz/ us/haɪpˈɑθəsˌaɪz/
C1
English
Senses
0 senses
Verb
formal
C1
action
1
propose an explanation to test
To guess an explanation and then test it.
Usage pattern:
hypothesize that [clause]; hypothesize [something]; hypothesize about [topic]
Common mistake:
Learners often use it for any casual guess; in English it usually suggests a more formal or research-style idea.
Synonyms
propose (More general; can be used outside research contexts.)
|
postulate (Often more formal; may imply stating as a starting point.)
|
theorize (Focuses on developing a broader theory, not just a single testable idea.)
Antonyms
demonstrate (Means to show with evidence rather than suggest as a possibility.)
|
prove (Means to establish as true, not merely propose.)
Collocations
hypothesize that
|hypothesize a link
|hypothesize a relationship
|hypothesize a connection
|hypothesize a mechanism
|hypothesize a cause
|hypothesize an explanation
|hypothesize a model
|hypothesize about origins
|hypothesize why
Themes
education
|science
|research
|thinking
Examples
- Researchers hypothesize that the drug works by reducing inflammation.
- The team hypothesized a connection between air pollution and asthma rates.
- We hypothesize that customers are leaving because the checkout process is too slow.
Learner examples
- I hypothesize that the plant needs more light.
- The scientist hypothesized a new explanation.
Verb
formal
C1
action
2
assume for the sake of argument
To suppose something might be true so you can discuss it.
Usage pattern:
hypothesize that [clause]; hypothesize [scenario/case]
Common mistake:
Don’t use it to mean “predict” (about the future); it means “suppose” or “suggest as an idea.”
Synonyms
suppose (More common and less formal; often used in everyday speech.)
|
speculate (Often implies less evidence and more uncertainty.)
|
assume (Can imply taking something as true; may be stronger than hypothesize.)
Antonyms
know (Means to be certain, not to suppose.)
|
confirm (Means to verify with evidence.)
Collocations
hypothesize a scenario
|hypothesize a case
|hypothesize an outcome
|hypothesize a situation
|hypothesize a reason
|hypothesize what would happen
|hypothesize a possibility
|hypothesize an alternative
|hypothesize an explanation
|hypothesize that this is
Themes
thinking
|education
|communication
Examples
- If we hypothesize that demand drops by 10%, the project is no longer profitable.
- You could hypothesize that she missed the meeting because her flight was delayed.
- Let’s hypothesize a worst-case scenario and plan for it.
Learner examples
- Let’s hypothesize that the bus is late.
- We hypothesize a different result.
Grammar
Dictionary form
hypothesize
IPA
GB/haɪpˈɑθəsˌaɪz/
US/haɪpˈɑθəsˌaɪz/
Syllables & stress
hy - po - thes - ize (4 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (po)
Word forms
Verb
- Base: hypothesize
- 3rd Person Singular: hypothesizes
- Present Participle: hypothesizing
- Past: hypothesized
Word family
Forms
hypothesizes
verb
hypothesizing
verb
hypothesized
verb
Core family
Expressions
No expressions linked to this entry yet.