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hypothetical — based on or serving as a hypothesis; supposed but not necessarily real or true

Part of speech: ADJECTIVE

Definition: based on or serving as a hypothesis; supposed but not necessarily real or true

Pronunciation (IPA): /ˌhaɪpəˈθetɪkl/

Example Sentences

  • The teacher asked a hypothetical question: 'What would you do if you won the lottery tomorrow?'
  • In a hypothetical world where cats could talk, they would probably just complain about their food all day.
  • This is purely hypothetical, but what if homework could do itself?

hypothetical

ADJECTIVE

[/ˌhaɪpəˈθetɪkl/]

based on or serving as a hypothesis; supposed but not necessarily real or true

The scientist tested a hypothetical explanation through repeated experiments.
💡 Concept

The scientist tested a hypothetical explanation through repeated experiments.

The students discussed a hypothetical situation before starting the experiment.
🧠 Mnemonic

The students discussed a hypothetical situation before starting the experiment.

The scientist explored a hypothetical idea through an experiment before reaching a conclusion.
🎵 Rhyme

The scientist explored a hypothetical idea through an experiment before reaching a conclusion.

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🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/ˌhaɪpəˈθetɪkl/
🇬🇧 UK/ˌhaɪpəˈθetɪkl/

🌳Etymology

Prefixhypo--
Rootthet-
Suffix--ical

Origin

From Greek 'hypothetikos', derived from 'hypothesis' (a thing proposed or put forward), which comes from 'hypo-' (under) + 'thesis' (a placing or proposition). The word entered English through Late Latin and French.

Breakdown

hypo- (under) + thesis (a placing/proposition) + -ical (adjective suffix) = hypothetical

🎵Rhyme

theoretical
etical
alphabetical

🔗Collocations

hypothetical situation
hypothetical question
hypothetical scenario
purely hypothetical
hypothetical example
hypothetical case

📝Examples

“The teacher asked a hypothetical question: 'What would you do if you won the lottery tomorrow?'”

😄 Fun example

“In a hypothetical world where cats could talk, they would probably just complain about their food all day.”

😄 Fun example

“This is purely hypothetical, but what if homework could do itself?”

“The lawyer presented a hypothetical case to illustrate her point during the debate.”

📚Related Words

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