HYPOTHESIS - Definition & Meaning for Kids

Simple definitions and word synonyms for kids.

Meaning 1

Part of speech: Noun

a proposal intended to explain certain facts or observations

Categories: Proposal

📖 Fun Facts About Hypothesis

  • • A hypothesis is an idea or guess that scientists test through experiments to see if it’s true.
  • • A hypothesis is a smart guess scientists make before testing something to find out the truth.

Meaning 2

Part of speech: Noun

a tentative insight into the natural world; a concept that is not yet verified but that if true would explain certain facts or phenomena

Example: a scientific hypothesis that survives experimental testing becomes a scientific theory; he proposed a fresh theory of alkalis that later was accepted in chemical practices

Categories: Concept, Conception, Construct

Synonyms

Possibility, Supposition, Speculation, Surmise, Hypothesis

🌱 Word Origin (Etymology)

The word "hypothesis" comes from Ancient Greek ὑπόθεσις, which comes from Late Latin hypothesis, which was borrowed from Middle French hypothese.

🧩 Fun Fact

Following this word's journey reveals ancient trade routes and cultural exchanges.