- (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 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.
- (n.) 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.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
| APA | Webster's. (2011). hypothesis. Retrieved September 21, 2026, from http://smartdefine.org/hypothesis/definitions/2018506 |
| Chicago | Webster's. 2011. "hypothesis" http://smartdefine.org/hypothesis/definitions/2018506 (accessed September 21, 2026). |
| Harvard | Webster's 2011, hypothesis, Smart Define, viewed 21 September, 2026, <http://smartdefine.org/hypothesis/definitions/2018506>. |
| MLA | Webster's. "hypothesis" 27 May 2011. Web. 21 September 2026. <http://smartdefine.org/hypothesis/definitions/2018506> |