Grammar Monster Logo

Plural of Hypothesis

What is the plural of hypothesis.

The Quick Answer

correct tick

Are You Good at Plurals?

The standard rules for forming the plurals.

Type Example of Type Forming the Plural Plural
Most Nouns add s
Noun Ending s, sh, ch, x or z add es
Nouns ending [consonant] o add either s or es
(There are no rules for this - you have to know.)
Nouns ending [vowel] o add s
Nouns ending [consonant] y change the y to an i and add es
Nouns ending [vowel] y add s
Nouns ending f or fe ves and/or s
(There are no rules - you have to know.)
Nouns ending is
change the "is" to "es"
Exceptions some nouns undergo a vowel or letters change
More exceptions some nouns do not change at all
Foreign rulings some nouns adopt foreign rulings

Why Is There Confusion over the Plural of Hypothesis?

author logo

This page was written by Craig Shrives .

You might also like...

Help us improve....

plural for hypothesis

Was something wrong with this page?

plural for hypothesis

Use #gm to find us quicker .

plural for hypothesis

Create a QR code for this, or any, page.

X Twitter logo

mailing list

FB logo

grammar forum

teachers' zone

Confirmatory test.

plural for hypothesis

expand to full page

plural for hypothesis

show as slides

plural for hypothesis

download as .doc

plural for hypothesis

print as handout

plural for hypothesis

send as homework

plural for hypothesis

display QR code

  • More from M-W
  • To save this word, you'll need to log in. Log In

Definition of hypothesis

Did you know.

The Difference Between Hypothesis and Theory

A hypothesis is an assumption, an idea that is proposed for the sake of argument so that it can be tested to see if it might be true.

In the scientific method, the hypothesis is constructed before any applicable research has been done, apart from a basic background review. You ask a question, read up on what has been studied before, and then form a hypothesis.

A hypothesis is usually tentative; it's an assumption or suggestion made strictly for the objective of being tested.

A theory , in contrast, is a principle that has been formed as an attempt to explain things that have already been substantiated by data. It is used in the names of a number of principles accepted in the scientific community, such as the Big Bang Theory . Because of the rigors of experimentation and control, it is understood to be more likely to be true than a hypothesis is.

In non-scientific use, however, hypothesis and theory are often used interchangeably to mean simply an idea, speculation, or hunch, with theory being the more common choice.

Since this casual use does away with the distinctions upheld by the scientific community, hypothesis and theory are prone to being wrongly interpreted even when they are encountered in scientific contexts—or at least, contexts that allude to scientific study without making the critical distinction that scientists employ when weighing hypotheses and theories.

The most common occurrence is when theory is interpreted—and sometimes even gleefully seized upon—to mean something having less truth value than other scientific principles. (The word law applies to principles so firmly established that they are almost never questioned, such as the law of gravity.)

This mistake is one of projection: since we use theory in general to mean something lightly speculated, then it's implied that scientists must be talking about the same level of uncertainty when they use theory to refer to their well-tested and reasoned principles.

The distinction has come to the forefront particularly on occasions when the content of science curricula in schools has been challenged—notably, when a school board in Georgia put stickers on textbooks stating that evolution was "a theory, not a fact, regarding the origin of living things." As Kenneth R. Miller, a cell biologist at Brown University, has said , a theory "doesn’t mean a hunch or a guess. A theory is a system of explanations that ties together a whole bunch of facts. It not only explains those facts, but predicts what you ought to find from other observations and experiments.”

While theories are never completely infallible, they form the basis of scientific reasoning because, as Miller said "to the best of our ability, we’ve tested them, and they’ve held up."

  • proposition
  • supposition

hypothesis , theory , law mean a formula derived by inference from scientific data that explains a principle operating in nature.

hypothesis implies insufficient evidence to provide more than a tentative explanation.

theory implies a greater range of evidence and greater likelihood of truth.

law implies a statement of order and relation in nature that has been found to be invariable under the same conditions.

Examples of hypothesis in a Sentence

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'hypothesis.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Greek, from hypotithenai to put under, suppose, from hypo- + tithenai to put — more at do

1641, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing hypothesis

  • counter - hypothesis
  • nebular hypothesis
  • null hypothesis
  • planetesimal hypothesis
  • Whorfian hypothesis

Articles Related to hypothesis

hypothesis

This is the Difference Between a...

This is the Difference Between a Hypothesis and a Theory

In scientific reasoning, they're two completely different things

Dictionary Entries Near hypothesis

hypothermia

hypothesize

Cite this Entry

“Hypothesis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary , Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hypothesis. Accessed 15 Sep. 2024.

Kids Definition

Kids definition of hypothesis, medical definition, medical definition of hypothesis, more from merriam-webster on hypothesis.

Nglish: Translation of hypothesis for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of hypothesis for Arabic Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about hypothesis

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries.  Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.

Can you solve 4 words at once?

Word of the day.

See Definitions and Examples »

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

Plural and possessive names: a guide, 31 useful rhetorical devices, more commonly misspelled words, absent letters that are heard anyway, how to use accents and diacritical marks, popular in wordplay, 8 words for lesser-known musical instruments, it's a scorcher words for the summer heat, 7 shakespearean insults to make life more interesting, 10 words from taylor swift songs (merriam's version), 9 superb owl words, games & quizzes.

Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.

Grammarflex

Grammarflex logo

What’s the Plural of Hypothesis?

  • November 19, 2022

plural for hypothesis

The plural of “hypothesis”

  • The plural of hypothesis is hypotheses (sounds like hi-paw-thuh-sea s).
  • Hypotheses is the only recognized plural of hypothesis .

What’s with the word hypothesis , and why does it behave the way it does from its singular to plural form? Keep reading.

The correct use of hypotheses (plural) in setences.

What’s the meaning of hypothesis?

Hypothesis comes from the Greek word of the same spelling,  hypothesis , meaning, “base, groundwork, foundation”. Hypothesis is made up of the Greek root words, hypo + thesis : “ hypo ” meaning “under” or “placing under”; “ thesis “, meaning “a placing, proposition”, (from Etymonline ).

So, based on the noun’s construction, hypothesis means to put or set forward a thesis or proposal to be subject to further investigating. According to Wikipedia , hypotheses are:

Tentative conjectures explaining an observation, phenomenon or scientific problem that can be tested by further observation, investigation and/or experimentation. Wikipedia on the word hypothesis.

Why is “hypotheses” plural for “hypothesis”?

"Hypothesis" (singular) in sentence examples.

Lots of people confuse the plural of hypothesis , and it’s not tough to see why: hypothesis is an irregular plural noun form that omits the -s/-es of regular plural nouns . Apart from this, the way hypothesis modifies from singular to plural effectively changes the spelling and pronunciation of the word by substituting the -sis as a singular to – ses plural.

Most nouns add an -s/-es to denote plural. Hypothesis , and similar sounding nouns such as crisis , thesis , oasis , nemesis , diagnosis , analysis and so on, all change to -ses in their plural forms.

Nouns that end in “sis”

Each of these irregular plural nouns have another thing in common: they’re all Greek words that use Greek suffixes.  So, in case you didn’t know, we all speak a bit of Greek.

crises
hypothesishypotheses

Examples of “hypothesis” (singular) in sentences

Other chemists rejected his hypothesis .
What we need is a general hypothesis to explain merger waves.
Their hypothesis is that watching excessive amounts of television reduces a person’s ability to concentrate.
The results of the experiment did not support his hypothesis .
She wrote something to summarize her hypothesis .

Examples of “hypotheses” (plural) in sentences

It will be evident that no direct record of this evolution can be expected, and recourse must be had to hypotheses founded on the indirect evidence available.
The hypotheses which carried it back to the early years of the Christian era have been wholly abandoned.
Various hypotheses have been put forward to explain this increase.
In the above work we have a combination of the redaction and sources hypotheses .
Such hypotheses attend to Aristotle’s philosophy to the neglect of his life.

Synonyms of “hypothesis”

  • supposition
  • proposition
  • explanation
  • interpretation

Read about other irregular plurals

  • What’s the plural of bison?
  • What’s the plural of moose?
  • What’s the plural of sheep?
  • What’s the plural of ox?
  • What’s the plural of cactus?
  • What’s the plural of crisis?

Origin of “hypothesis”

From etymonline:

1590s, “a particular statement;” 1650s, “a proposition, assumed and taken for granted, used as a premise,” from French hypothese and directly from Late Latin hypothesis , from Greek hypothesis .
  • Wikipedia hypothesis.
  • Synonyms for hypothesis.
  • Hypotheses sentence examples.
  • Origin of hypothesis.

Recent Posts

Nerve-racking or nerve-wracking?

Is it Nerve-Racking, Nerve-Wrecking or Nerve-Wracking?

Which is correct: nerve-wracking or nerve-racking? To describe something as extremely irritating, annoying, or trying; (as in, a nerve-racking day; or a nerve-racking noise), we

Beck and call or beckon call?

“Beck and Call” or “Beckon Call”? Which is Correct?

Meaning of ‘beck and call’ ‘To be at someone’s beck and call‘ is an idiomatic expression that describes being immediately available, or ready to be

What does connotation mean?

What’s the Meaning of the Word “Connotation”?

Ever catch bad vibes from a text? Any feeling or internal response you have from the actual words used to is its connotation; which perhaps

Ambiguous vs. Ambivalent

What’s the Difference Between Ambiguous & Ambivalent?

Are ambiguous and ambivalent the same? Something ambiguous (an adjective) is unclear, vague and open to different interpretations. To be ambivalent (also an adjective) means

When to use have or had?

When to Use Have or Had? (Explained with Examples)

When should you use “have” or “had”? When is it correct to use have, has, or had? Phrased differently, what’s the past tense of have?

The past participle

What’s the Past Participle? (Explanation & Usage)

The past participle is a form of a verb that can appear as an adjective, or be used to form specific tenses and the passive

Emigrate or immigrate?

Emigrate vs. Immigrate (Meaning + Examples)

Meaning of emigrate vs. immigrate To immigrate is the verb form of the noun immigrant; referring to someone that’s moved away from their birth country

Recurring or reoccurring?

Recurring vs. Reoccurring (Correct Usage, + Examples)

Did you have a recurring or reoccurring dream? If you’re finding the difference between these two words befuddling, then this post is for you. How

Nevertheless vs. nonetheless

What’s the Difference Between Nevertheless vs. Nonetheless?

Nevertheless vs. nonetheless Nevertheless and nonetheless are synonyms that both belong to the same part of speech; i.e, they’re compound adverbs that express contrast. There

plural for hypothesis

The Plural of Hypothesis: Here’s What It Is and How to Use It

mm

Ever get stuck wondering what the plural form of hypothesis is in English? Perfect! This article will tell you just that plus give more facts about the word hypothesis, synonyms like a thesaurus, examples, and the history of the word. You will no doubt be an expert on all things surrounding the word hypothesis by the end of this article.

plural for hypothesis

Your writing, at its best

Compose bold, clear, mistake-free, writing with Grammarly's AI-powered writing assistant

What Is The Definition Of Hypothesis

As found in the Meriam Webster Dictionary 

  • An assumption or concession made for the sake of argument
  • an interpretation of a practical situation or condition taken as the ground for action
  • a tentative assumption made in order to draw out and test its logical or empirical consequences
  • the antecedent clause of a conditional statement

As found in the Cambridge Dictionary

  • an idea or explanation for something that is based on known facts but has not yet been proved: several hypotheses for global warming have been suggested.

In “The Origin of Hypothesis” it is phrased as a ‘scientific guess’. In the context of science, a hypothesis is a placeholder for a theory until it is proven by science to be accurate.

A scientific hypothesis sed to explain something occurring in our universe that currently does not fit into our current available scientific theories. Scientific hypotheses also include null hypothesis, working hypothesis, and alternative hypothesis. 

plural for hypothesis

History and Origin of The Word

From the Greek hypotithenai to put under, suppose, from hypo- + tithenai to put. The first use of the word hypothesis can be traced back to 1596. Issac Newton actually rejected the hypothesis, he said “Hypotheses non fingo” which translates to “I Frame no hypotheses”. This was back in 1721 in Issac Newton’s book “Opticks, or A Treatise of the Reflections, Refractions, Inflections, and Colours of Light”

What Is More Than One Hypothesis Called?

The plural form of the hypothesis is hypotheses. This is the only way in the English language to make hypothesis plural. Because of the Greek origin, the rule of making a noun that ends in “is” to change it to “es.”

  • Assumption – Something taken for granted
  • Postulate- suggest or assume the existence, fact, or truth of (something) as a basis for reasoning, discussion, or belief
  • Rationale – Logic for belief, action
  • Previous observations- things that were seen or experienced in the past
  • Supposition – guess, belief
  • Theorem – explanation based on hypothesis and experiments done by experimenters using the scientific method
  • Thesis – belief, assumption to be tested
  • Conjecture – speculation, assumption
  • Conclusion – end
  • Tentative Explanation – clarification; reason
  • Guess – belief, speculation 
  • Interpretation – understanding
  • Premise – hypothesis, argument

What Is The Difference Between Hypothesis and Theory?

Since we now know that a hypothesis is a guess or assumption, how is that different from a theory? The definition of a theory is “a supposition or system of ideas intended to explain something, especially one based on general principles independent of the thing to be explained”. 

Although we might think of a theory as something that has not been 100% proven, its definition in the application of science is something that has been tested as an explanation for things occurring. It is still an explanation that is thought of as true until proven otherwise, the difference here is that a hypothesis is thought to explain something not yet tested and could also be thought of as an unproved theory or suggested explanation.

Follow these examples to see the difference in action:

  • Fact: “The clouds are dark outside.” 
  • Hypothesis: “It might storm today.”
  • Theory: “Rain clouds are dark because of their particulate density. The denser the water droplets are in the cloud the more light will be scattered, which will lead to a darker appearance.”
  • Fact: “Light roast coffee has more caffeine than dark roast coffee”
  • Hypothesis: “I should drink a cup of light roast coffee if I want more caffeine”
  • Theory: “During the roasting process caffeine is slowly burned off, therefore it is true that light roast coffee has more caffeine. You should however choose dark roast if you want more caffeine per cup because although per bean light roast has more caffeine, per gram of coffee dark roast contains more caffeine. This is because you have to consider the percent of weight loss that occurs with roasting a coffee to a dark level, which is higher than the percent of caffeine lost, therefore you have more caffeine per gram in dark roast over light roast, only by a minuscule amount.”

What Is The Difference Between An Idea and Hypothesis?

Since a hypothesis is an idea that can be tested, here are some examples of what is just an idea and can’t be tested followed by a similar idea that can be tested and is a hypothesis.

  • Idea: Biden would be a better president vs Trump – Can not be tested since we have no data. 
  • Hypothesis: Obama did a better job at fixing unemployment vs Bush – can be tested by looking at the data.
  • Idea: I could have been the best disc golfer if I started playing when I was a kid – Impossible to test
  • Hypothesis: Paul McBeth probably hit more circle 2 putts on tour last year than Ricky Wysocki. – Can be proven by looking at the data for all their putts on the PDGA tour last year.

Example Sentences In Context

The following are examples of hypothesis in context:

“We came up with the assumptions and then narrowed them down to one hypothesis for each category.” – Forbes

“The notion of hypothesis testing has recently invaded the practice of entrepreneurship as a tool to construct of new ventures” – Forbes

“There’s not one unifying hypothesis as to why, but there’s probably five to 20 different things that have contributed to it.” – USA Today

“Most thinkers or hypothesists of any degree of sobriety allow, that an hypothesis…is not to be received as probably true because it accounts for all the known phenomena since this is a condition sometimes fulfilled tolerably well by two conflicting hypotheses…while there are probably a thousand more which are equally possible, but which, for want of anything analogous in our experience, our minds are unfitted to conceive” – Underdetermination of Scientific Theory

“The expensive tissue hypothesis was focused on human brains and it was never intended as a one-size-fits-all possible explanation that applied across all mammals. The original paper even said that “the cost of the additional brain tissue could have been met by strategies other than a reduction in gut size.” – National Geographic

mm

Kevin Miller is a growth marketer with an extensive background in Search Engine Optimization, paid acquisition and email marketing. He is also an online editor and writer based out of Los Angeles, CA. He studied at Georgetown University, worked at Google and became infatuated with English Grammar and for years has been diving into the language, demystifying the do's and don'ts for all who share the same passion! He can be found online here.

Recent Posts

plural for hypothesis

The Plural of Software: Here’s What It Is and How to Use It

plural for hypothesis

The Plural of Mouse: Here’s What It Is and How to Use It

plural for hypothesis

The Plural of Hoof: Here’s What It Is and How to Use It

plural for hypothesis

The Plural of Hippopotamus: Here’s What It Is and How to Use It

"What's the plural of hypothesis?"

The plural of hypothesis is hypotheses .

Definition of hypothesis:

A supposition or assumption based on limited evidence which has yet to be proven or disproven.

Is 'Hypothesis' Plural or Singular?

The plural form of "hypothesis" is "hypotheses." This is because "hypothesis" is a Greek-derived word that follows the rules for forming plurals of Greek-derived words.

In general, Greek-derived words that end in "-is" form the plural by changing the ending to "-es."

The plural of "hypothesis" is "hypotheses" because it is a borrowed word from the Greek language, and it follows the rules of Greek grammar for forming the plural.

In Greek, the plural of "hupothesis," the Greek word from which "hypothesis" is derived, is "hupotheses."

Other examples of Greek-derived words that follow this pattern include "analysis" (singular) and "analyses" (plural), "crisis" (singular) and "crises" (plural), and "thesis" (singular) and "theses" (plural).

The word "hypothesis" comes from the Greek word "hypothesis," which means "base," "foundation," or "assumption."

In scientific contexts, hypotheses are educated guesses or proposed explanations for a phenomenon that is based on limited evidence and is used as a starting point for further investigation.

Plural of Hypothesis Example Sentences

Here are some examples to illustrate the difference between the singular and plural forms of the word "hypothesis":

Singular: " A hypothesis has been proposed to explain the sudden increase in the number of earthquakes in the region" .

Plural: " Two hypotheses have been proposed to explain the sudden increase in the number of earthquakes in the region. One suggests that the earthquakes are caused by tectonic activity, while the other suggests that they are caused by the injection of wastewater into the ground" .

Singular: " The hypothesis that the Earth is flat has been debunked by scientific evidence" .

Plural: " There are many hypotheses about the origins of the universe, but the most widely accepted one is the Big Bang theory" .

Throughout history multiple hypotheses were put forward to explain why objects tended to fall to Earth when dropped. The Greeks believed it was because the Earth was the center of the Universe.

https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hypothesis

Similar Questions

What's the plural of...

Short Audio Stories

Advertisement

The plural of hypothesis is hypotheses

plural for hypothesis

What is the Plural of Hypothesis?

past tense for

What is the plural form of the word "hypothesis"? The plural form (meaning multiples) of the base word "hypothesis" is "hypotheses." Nouns can identify places, people, animals, and other things. They are the basic materials required to construct sentences. There are different types of nouns , including proper nouns , common nouns , compound nouns , collective nouns , abstract nouns , and countable and uncountable nouns.

What is the plural of Hypothesis?

The plural form of the word "hypothesis" is "hypotheses". Forming plural nouns can be difficult. To form the plural form of the word, you'll base it on the last letter or last two letters of the singular word form.

The word "hypothesis" is considered a common noun .

Sentence examples for the plural of "Hypothesis"

  • Example 1: There are multiple hypotheses.
  • Example 2: I can see multiple hypotheses.
  • Example 3: Over there could be more hypotheses.

For more examples, see the definition of the word hypothesis .

My experience with plural forms...

When it comes to plural forms, I was always confused! Just like you, I would be looking up the singular words plural formation...

Here are some really simple tricks that helps me remember plural forms:

  • Did you know that most plurals are formed by adding an -s to the end of the word? Yes!
  • If the noun ends in a consonant plus "–y," form the plural by swapping the "–y" for "–ies."
  • If the noun ends in "–ch," "-s," "-sh," "-x," or "-z," form the plural by adding "–es."

plural for hypothesis

Fact checked: Content is rigorously reviewed by a team of qualified and experienced fact checkers. Fact checkers review articles for factual accuracy, relevance, and timeliness. Learn more.

plural for hypothesis

About the author

Dalia Y.: Dalia is an English Major and linguistics expert with an additional degree in Psychology. Dalia has featured articles on Forbes, Inc, Fast Company, Grammarly, and many more. She covers English, ESL, and all things grammar on GrammarBrain.

Core lessons

  • Abstract Noun
  • Accusative Case
  • Active Sentence
  • Alliteration
  • Adjective Clause
  • Adjective Phrase
  • Adverbial Clause
  • Appositive Phrase
  • Body Paragraph
  • Compound Adjective
  • Complex Sentence
  • Compound Words
  • Compound Predicate
  • Common Noun
  • Comparative Adjective
  • Comparative and Superlative
  • Compound Noun
  • Compound Subject
  • Compound Sentence
  • Copular Verb
  • Collective Noun
  • Colloquialism
  • Conciseness
  • Conditional
  • Concrete Noun
  • Conjunction
  • Conjugation
  • Conditional Sentence
  • Comma Splice
  • Correlative Conjunction
  • Coordinating Conjunction
  • Coordinate Adjective
  • Cumulative Adjective
  • Dative Case
  • Declarative Statement
  • Direct Object Pronoun
  • Direct Object
  • Dangling Modifier
  • Demonstrative Pronoun
  • Demonstrative Adjective
  • Direct Characterization
  • Definite Article
  • Doublespeak
  • Equivocation Fallacy
  • Future Perfect Progressive
  • Future Simple
  • Future Perfect Continuous
  • Future Perfect
  • First Conditional
  • Gerund Phrase
  • Genitive Case
  • Helping Verb
  • Irregular Adjective
  • Irregular Verb
  • Imperative Sentence
  • Indefinite Article
  • Intransitive Verb
  • Introductory Phrase
  • Indefinite Pronoun
  • Indirect Characterization
  • Interrogative Sentence
  • Intensive Pronoun
  • Inanimate Object
  • Indefinite Tense
  • Infinitive Phrase
  • Interjection
  • Intensifier
  • Indicative Mood
  • Juxtaposition
  • Linking Verb
  • Misplaced Modifier
  • Nominative Case
  • Noun Adjective
  • Object Pronoun
  • Object Complement
  • Order of Adjectives
  • Parallelism
  • Prepositional Phrase
  • Past Simple Tense
  • Past Continuous Tense
  • Past Perfect Tense
  • Past Progressive Tense
  • Present Simple Tense
  • Present Perfect Tense
  • Personal Pronoun
  • Personification
  • Persuasive Writing
  • Parallel Structure
  • Phrasal Verb
  • Predicate Adjective
  • Predicate Nominative
  • Phonetic Language
  • Plural Noun
  • Punctuation
  • Punctuation Marks
  • Preposition
  • Preposition of Place
  • Parts of Speech
  • Possessive Adjective
  • Possessive Determiner
  • Possessive Case
  • Possessive Noun
  • Proper Adjective
  • Proper Noun
  • Present Participle
  • Quotation Marks
  • Relative Pronoun
  • Reflexive Pronoun
  • Reciprocal Pronoun
  • Subordinating Conjunction
  • Simple Future Tense
  • Stative Verb
  • Subjunctive
  • Subject Complement
  • Subject of a Sentence
  • Sentence Variety
  • Second Conditional
  • Superlative Adjective
  • Slash Symbol
  • Topic Sentence
  • Types of Nouns
  • Types of Sentences
  • Uncountable Noun
  • Vowels and Consonants

Popular lessons

plural for hypothesis

Stay awhile. Your weekly dose of grammar and English fun.

plural for hypothesis

The world's best online resource for learning English. Understand words, phrases, slang terms, and all other variations of the English language.

  • Abbreviations
  • Editorial Policy

GrammarLord

A Comprehensive Analysis of The Plural Forms of Hypothesis

“Hypothesis” is often a word that sends shivers down the spines of students and makes professors’ eyes light up. Maybe because it has a fancy Greek root (“hypo” = under, “thesis” = placing). And the plural is not as straightforward as adding an “s” at the end.

No, no, no. We’re dealing with a word that loves to keep things interesting. Gladly, this article is about to crack this nut open like a science experiment.

READ ALSO:  Analyzing The Plural of Analysis; A Comprehensive Guide

  • 0.1 Now, here’s the deal
  • 0.2 You need to understand this
  • 0.3 Now, here’s the thing
  • 0.4 A closer look at the verdict
  • 0.5 Now, let’s get creative with some examples
  • 1 Final Thoughts

Now, here’s the deal

The usual suspect for the plural of “hypothesis” is “hypotheses”. Yes, just add that “-es” ending and you’re good to go. Most dictionaries will give you this as the go-to plural form, and it’s perfectly acceptable in most situations.

You can confidently say things like, “The researchers tested several hypotheses” or “My cat has a million hypotheses about where his missing yarn ball went.”

You need to understand this

Just like a good scientific study, we gotta consider alternative explanations. See, “hypothesis” comes from Greek, and in Greek, there’s this whole other way of making plurals for words ending in “-sis.”

It involves adding “-ses” instead of “-es.” Some folks, especially those with a deep love for the classics, prefer to stick to this Greek-y plural form.

So, you might encounter “hypotheseses” in academic writing or among language enthusiasts.

READ ALSO:  Abbreviating Continued; What You Need To Know

Now, here’s the thing

While “hypotheseses” is technically correct, it’s not exactly common in everyday speech. It can sound a bit stuffy like you’re trying to show off your fancy vocabulary.

Unless you’re writing a dissertation on ancient Greek grammar, “hypotheses” is the safer bet. But,  if you’re feeling fly and want to impress your professor with your linguistic prowess, go for it!

Just be prepared for some raised eyebrows and maybe even a chuckle or two.

A closer look at the verdict

Ultimately, the choice is yours, my friend.

Whether you stick to the classic “hypotheses” or take a walk on the wild side with “hypotheseses,” just remember: the important thing is to understand the concept behind the pluralization and to use it with confidence.

Now, let’s get creative with some examples

How can we use the plural of hypothesis in a sentence without getting some raised eyebrow?

READ ALSO:  Exploring The Differences Between Heros and Heroes

Here are a few examples :

“The scientist’s mind buzzed with a swarm of hypotheses, each vying for dominance in the petri dish of her imagination.” “The artist stared at the blank canvas, her brush poised like a question mark, ready to give birth to a constellation of hypotheses.”

Did you see how the plural form adds a touch of intrigue, a hint of possibility, to the scene? It’s like sprinkling magic dust on your writing, transforming it from a dull monologue to a vibrant, multi-faceted dialogue.

Final Thoughts

Now you have it! The plural of “hypothesis” laid bare. It is time to go forth and spread your newfound knowledge, one hypothesis (or maybe even hypotheseses) at a time!

The goal is to clearly reach out to your audience without flooding your writing or sentences with grammatical errors.

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

English Teacher Site

English Teacher Site

Whats the Plural of Hypothesis: Understanding Grammatical Number

Hypothesis Whats the Plural of Hypothesis: Understanding Grammatical Number

  • The word “hypotheses” is the plural form of “hypothesis.”
  • “Hypothesis” and “hypotheses” are used to propose explanations for phenomena, with usage depending on the number.
  • The origin of “hypothesis” traces back to Greek, affecting its pluralization in English.

In the most straightforward terms, the plural of “hypothesis” is “hypotheses.” This transformation follows a specific pattern seen in words that end in “-is,” with the “-is” changing to “-es” to form the plural. Understanding the correct use of the singular and plural forms is fundamental for both written and spoken English, especially within academic and scientific contexts where the word is frequently employed.

Table of Contents

What’s the Plural of “Hypothesis”?

Singular to Plural Transformation

The transformation from singular to plural for the word “hypothesis” involves altering the ending of the word:

  • Change the “is” to “es”
  • This results in the plural form “hypotheses”

Pronunciation

The plural form is pronounced as “hī-ˈpä-thə-ˌsēz.” It’s essential to note that the difference is not just in spelling but also in pronunciation.

Usage of Hypothesis and Hypotheses

Here is a simple breakdown of when to use each form:

Singular (Hypothesis)Plural (Hypotheses)
Refers to one assumption or proposed explanationRefers to two or more assumptions or proposed explanations

Examples in Sentences

  • Singular : The scientist tested the hypothesis to see if it was valid.
  • Plural : After many experiments, all the hypotheses were evaluated for accuracy.

What’s the Singular of Hypothesis?

The singular form of hypothesis is “hypothesis.” To assist in understanding, consider the following tables:

TermDefinition
HypothesisA statement or idea to be tested through scientific method

Another table illustrating the usage in a sentence:

Sentence Usage
“The scientist formulated a about the cause of the phenomenon.”

Here are key points to remember about the term “hypothesis”:

  • It is the singular form used when referring to one proposed explanation.
  • A hypothesis can later become a theory if it is supported by substantial evidence.
  • In the realm of science, it is a statement subject to verification or falsification through research.

Defining the Word “Hypothesis”

The term hypothesis originates from the Greek word meaning base or foundation . It is commonly understood as a starting point for scientific inquiry, a proposed explanation made on the basis of limited evidence as a starting point for further investigation. In its essence, a hypothesis is a tentative assumption designed to test its logical or empirical consequences.

In scientific reasoning, a hypothesis serves as a provisional idea whose merit requires evaluation. It is not just a wild guess, but an informed conjecture that sets the stage for experimentation and observation.

Key Attributes of a Hypothesis:

  • Conjectural : A hypothesis is an educated guess about the relationship between two or more variables.
  • Testable : It must be possible to prove that the hypothesis is true or false through evidence.
  • Predictive : A hypothesis should make predictions that can be verified through testing.
  • Falsifiable : To be scientific, a hypothesis must be structured in a way that it can be refuted by evidence.

Hypothesis in Conditional Statements:

Part of Conditional StatementRole of Hypothesis
Antecedent (If clause)Contains the hypothesis
Consequent (Then clause)Outcome or prediction

For example, in the statement “If molecules are exposed to higher temperatures, then their kinetic energy will increase,” the hypothesis is that higher temperatures affect molecular kinetic energy.

Hypothesis (Singular) Used in Sentences

Examples in Sentences:

  • The scientist formulated a hypothesis about the effect of light on plant growth.
  • After analyzing the data, she presented her hypothesis concerning the animals’ migration patterns.
  • His hypothesis that increased sunlight would enhance energy efficiency remains to be tested.
  • In her thesis, the hypothesis revolved around the impact of social media on communication skills.
  • It is key for a hypothesis to be clear and concise for it to lead to meaningful scientific investigation.
Structure of a Sentence with “Hypothesis”Example
He a hypothesis.
The hypothesis a potential solution.

Regarding the use of “hypothesis” in academic writing, it is important to:

  • Identify the key variable : Highlight what the hypothesis is specifically attempting to test or predict.
  • State the expected outcome : Clarify the predicted result or effect that the hypothesis addresses.
Key Component of HypothesisAs Used in a Sentence
The hypothesis focused on the variable of classroom size.
Her hypothesis anticipated a positive outcome from the new diet.

Tips for crafting a hypothesis :

  • Keep it simple and testable.
  • Ensure it is backed by existing literature and theories when applicable.
  • Tailor it to be specific , addressing a particular phenomenon or set of data.
  • A hypothesis must be falsifiable ; that is, it must be phrased in a way that makes it possible to reject if it is not true.
  • Avoid complex jargon when constructing a hypothesis; clarity ensures that others can understand and test it.
  • Remember, a hypothesis is not a question, but rather a statement that reflects what the researcher believes to be true.

Hypotheses (Plural) Used in Sentences

In the realm of research, it’s common to encounter:

SingularPlural
hypothesishypotheses

Example Sentences:

  • The scientists reviewed several competing hypotheses before commencing their experiment.
  • Their hypotheses centered on the potential effects of climate change on marine biodiversity.
  • During the symposium, the researcher explained her methods for testing the various hypotheses .

Using “hypotheses” precisely:

  • Clarity : Each of the hypotheses represented a possible explanation for the phenomenon observed.
  • Context : In scientific discussions, it’s paramount to present hypotheses in a structured manner.
  • Comparison : The study contrasted traditional hypotheses with innovative conjectures emerging in the field.

In day-to-day language or teaching scenarios, one might encounter scenarios such as:

  • The teacher asked the students to write down their own hypotheses about the outcome of the chemical reaction.
  • The book included several interesting hypotheses about the origins of language.

Origin of the Word “Hypothesis”

Ancient Greek is the initial source of the word “hypothesis.” Specifically, it derives from two Greek words: “ὑπό” meaning ‘under,’ and “θέσις” meaning ‘a placing’ or ‘proposition.’ The combination of these elements resulted in “ὑπόθεσις” (hypothesis), signifying ‘a placing under’ or ‘foundation’.

Greek OriginMeaning
ὑπό (hypo)below, under
θέσις (thesis)placing, setting

Transitioning into Late Latin , the term “ hypothesis ” maintained its original Greek meaning. By the time it reached the Middle French , as “hypothese,” it was already well-incorporated into the lexicon of scientific and philosophical discourse.

Language EvolutionForm
Late Latinhypothesis
Middle Frenchhypothese

In English, “hypothesis” retains the essence of its Greek origins: a proposed explanation for a phenomenon, a foundation for further investigation, or a premise to be tested.

Key Developments :

  • Integral to scientific method
  • Used academically to propose theories

To construct the plural form of “hypothesis,” English follows a standard pattern seen with words ending in ‘-is.’

  • Singular: hypothesis
  • Plural: hypotheses

Usage in English implies not just a simple carrying over of a term, but an adaptation of the concept it represents — underpinning the advancement of knowledge, it supports theoretical frameworks and empirical research.

Khamis Maiouf

My name is Khamis Maiouf. I am the creator of the English Teacher Site, dedicated to providing valuable resources and insights for students around the world. With a passion for education and a commitment to helping students enhance their skills, I aim to make English teaching more effective and enjoyable for both educators and students.

Similar Posts

What’s the Plural of Fox: Understanding Standard and Irregular Plurals

What’s the Plural of Fox: Understanding Standard and Irregular Plurals

Moving from the singular form to the plural, the word “fox” follows a standard grammatical rule. Adding an “es” to the end of words that finish with an “x” is the typical approach to forming their plural. Thus, when referring to more than one of these animals, the correct term to use is “foxes.” This…

What’s the Singular of Means: Understanding Singular and Plural Nouns

What’s the Singular of Means: Understanding Singular and Plural Nouns

When discussing the peculiarities of the English language, a common question arises regarding the word “means.” Often used both in singular and plural contexts, this term can cause confusion due to its seeming lack of variation in form. The singular of “means” is identical to its plural; context dictates its number. It is a noun…

Whats the Plural of Software: Understanding Collective Nouns in Technology

Whats the Plural of Software: Understanding Collective Nouns in Technology

The classification of nouns as countable or uncountable can often pose challenges. The term “software” is frequently used in both the technology and business sectors, yet its plural form generates confusion due to its unique nature as a mass noun. Mass nouns, also referred to as uncountable nouns, do not typically have a separate plural…

Whats the Plural of Thesis: Understanding Singular and Plural Forms

Whats the Plural of Thesis: Understanding Singular and Plural Forms

It is crucial to use the word correctly in both singular and plural contexts to maintain the integrity of written and spoken communication. In the realm of academics, precision in language reflects the rigor of one’s research and argumentation. As such, understanding the transformation from “thesis” to its plural counterpart is more than a trivial…

Is Data Singular or Plural? Understanding Its Correct Usage

Is Data Singular or Plural? Understanding Its Correct Usage

The distinction between singular and plural use of “data” is not merely a grammatical curiosity but also reflects different perspectives on how information is collected and analyzed. In scientific and academic contexts, where precision is paramount, “data” are frequently treated as plural, with the focus on the individual pieces of information. Conversely, in general usage…

What’s the Plural of Symposium: Understanding Variations and Usage

What’s the Plural of Symposium: Understanding Variations and Usage

The plural form of the word “symposium” has been the subject of interesting discussions among linguists and grammarians. Stemming from Latin and Greek, the word has kept its classical roots alive in the English language. The original Latin plural is “symposia,” which is still widely used in academic and formal settings. However, the anglicized version…

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

  • 1.1 Etymology
  • 1.2 Pronunciation
  • 1.3.1 Synonyms
  • 1.3.2 Derived terms
  • 1.3.3 Translations
  • 2.1 Etymology
  • 2.2 Pronunciation
  • 2.3.1 Declension

Recorded since 1596, from Middle French hypothese , from Late Latin hypothesis , from Ancient Greek ὑπόθεσις ( hupóthesis , “ base, basis of an argument, supposition ” , literally “ a placing under ” ) , itself from ὑποτίθημι ( hupotíthēmi , “ I set before, suggest ” ) , from ὑπό ( hupó , “ below ” ) + τίθημι ( títhēmi , “ I put, place ” ) .

Pronunciation

  • ( UK ) IPA ( key ) : /haɪˈpɒθɪsɪs/ , /hɪˈpɒθɪsɪs/ , /həˈpɒθɪsɪs/ , /-əsəs/ , /-əsɪs/
  • ( US ) IPA ( key ) : /haɪˈpɑː.θə.sɪs/
Audio ( ): ( )

hypothesis ( plural hypotheses )

  • 2001 September 27, Terrie E. Moffitt, Avshalom Caspi, Michael Rutter, Phil A. Silva, Sex Differences in Antisocial Behaviour: Conduct Disorder, Delinquency, and Violence in the Dunedin Longitudinal Study ‎ [1] , Cambridge University Press , →ISBN , page 151 : This hypothesis goes by many names, including group resistence, the threshold effect, and the gender paradox. Because the hypothesis holds such wide appeal, it is worth revisiting the logic behind it. The hypothesis is built on the factual observation that fewer females than males act antisocially.
  • 2005 , Ronald H. Pine, http://www.csicop.org/specialarticles/show/intelligent_design_or_no_model_creationism , 15 October 2005: Far too many of us have been taught in school that a scientist, in the course of trying to figure something out, will first come up with a " hypothesis " (a guess or surmise—not necessarily even an "educated" guess). ... [But t]he word " hypothesis " should be used, in science, exclusively for a reasoned, sensible, knowledge-informed explanation for why some phenomenon exists or occurs. An hypothesis can be as yet untested; can have already been tested; may have been falsified; may have not yet been falsified, although tested; or may have been tested in a myriad of ways countless times without being falsified; and it may come to be universally accepted by the scientific community. An understanding of the word " hypothesis ," as used in science, requires a grasp of the principles underlying Occam's Razor and Karl Popper's thought in regard to " falsifiability "—including the notion that any respectable scientific hypothesis must, in principle, be "capable of" being proven wrong (if it should, in fact, just happen to be wrong), but none can ever be proved to be true. One aspect of a proper understanding of the word " hypothesis ," as used in science, is that only a vanishingly small percentage of hypotheses could ever potentially become a theory.
  • ( general ) An assumption taken to be true for the purpose of argument or investigation .
  • ( grammar ) The antecedent of a conditional statement .
  • supposition
  • educated guess
  • See also Thesaurus:supposition

Derived terms

  • alternative hypothesis
  • aquatic ape hypothesis
  • Avogadro's hypothesis
  • conspiracy hypothesis
  • continuum hypothesis
  • cosmic censorship hypothesis
  • critical brain hypothesis
  • documentary hypothesis
  • efficient market hypothesis
  • ergodic hypothesis
  • expectations hypothesis
  • Fisher hypothesis
  • Gaia hypothesis
  • generalized continuum hypothesis
  • God hypothesis
  • Griesbach hypothesis
  • hypothesize
  • hypothetical
  • hypothetically
  • induction hypothesis
  • inductive hypothesis
  • interface hypothesis
  • just-world hypothesis
  • level-ordering hypothesis
  • mafia hypothesis
  • Medea hypothesis
  • Monro-Kellie hypothesis
  • null hypothesis
  • Omphalos hypothesis
  • Out of India hypothesis
  • ovulatory shift hypothesis
  • permanent income hypothesis
  • Prout's hypothesis
  • Rare Earth hypothesis
  • Red Queen hypothesis
  • Riemann hypothesis
  • Sapir-Whorf hypothesis
  • Schinzel's hypothesis H
  • sexy son hypothesis
  • simulation hypothesis
  • swoon hypothesis
  • trickle-down hypothesis
  • trickle down hypothesis
  • Wellhausen's hypothesis
  • working hypothesis
  • zombie hypothesis

Translations

        (farḍiyya)   (varkac),   (hipotʻez) ,   (hipóteza),   (prypuščénnje)   (onukolpo)     (hipotéza)     (gaa syut ), (gaa cit ), (gaa ding )   (jiǎshuō),   (jiǎshè),   (jiǎdìng)     ,             ,                   (hiṗoteza)         (ypóthesi)   (hipotezá),     (hash'ará)     (parikalpanā)                 (かせつ, kasetsu) (gipoteza),   (boljam)   (sɑmmaʼtekam)   (gaseol) (grîmane) ,   (gipoteza)   (som mut ti thān)             (hipotéza)     (taamaglal), (gipotez)           (farzya)   (farziye),   (engâšte),   (pendâšte)     ,                 (gipóteza),     (predpoložénije)         ,             , (farziya), (gipoteza) (gipoteza)   (sǒm-mút-dtì-tǎan)   ,   ,     (hipóteza),   (prypúščennja),   (zasnóvok)   (farziyā) (gipotëza)   ,     ( )
  (prypuščénnje)     (predpoložénie)       (jiǎshè),   (jiǎdìng),   (jiǎshuō),   (qiántí)     ,           ,     ,   ,               (hanakhá)   ,         (かてい, katei)   (gajeong) (grîmane) (takdir)             ,         (predpoložénije),     (gipóteza)           (prypúščennja)   ,  
      (jiǎshè)               (gajeongbeop)            
)     )     , )   , )   )   (farziye), )   (negare) )     )     )  

Borrowed from Ancient Greek ὑπόθεσις ( hupóthesis , “ hypothesis ” , noun ) .

  • ( Classical Latin ) IPA ( key ) : /hyˈpo.tʰe.sis/ , [hʏˈpɔt̪ʰɛs̠ɪs̠]
  • ( modern Italianate Ecclesiastical ) IPA ( key ) : /iˈpo.te.sis/ , [iˈpɔːt̪es̬is]

hypothesis   f ( genitive hypothesis or hypotheseōs or hypothesios ) ; third declension

Case Singular Plural









1 Found sometimes in Medieval and New Latin.

  • There is also genitive plural hypotheseōn .
  • The genitive singular is also spelled hypotheseωs and the genitive plural hypotheseωn .

plural for hypothesis

  • English terms derived from Proto-Indo-European
  • English terms derived from the Proto-Indo-European root *dʰeh₁-
  • English terms borrowed from Middle French
  • English terms derived from Middle French
  • English terms derived from Late Latin
  • English terms derived from Ancient Greek
  • English 4-syllable words
  • English terms with IPA pronunciation
  • English terms with audio links
  • English lemmas
  • English nouns
  • English countable nouns
  • English nouns with irregular plurals
  • en:Sciences
  • English terms with quotations
  • Latin terms borrowed from Ancient Greek
  • Latin terms derived from Ancient Greek
  • Latin 4-syllable words
  • Latin terms with IPA pronunciation
  • Latin lemmas
  • Latin nouns
  • Latin third declension nouns
  • Latin feminine nouns in the third declension
  • Latin terms spelled with Y
  • Latin feminine nouns
  • English entries with language name categories using raw markup
  • Pages with 2 entries
  • Terms with Afrikaans translations
  • Terms with Albanian translations
  • Terms with Arabic translations
  • Terms with Armenian translations
  • Terms with Azerbaijani translations
  • Terms with Belarusian translations
  • Terms with Bengali translations
  • Terms with Bulgarian translations
  • Requests for translations into Burmese
  • Terms with Catalan translations
  • Terms with Cantonese translations
  • Terms with Mandarin translations
  • Terms with Czech translations
  • Terms with Danish translations
  • Terms with Dutch translations
  • Terms with Esperanto translations
  • Terms with Estonian translations
  • Terms with Finnish translations
  • Terms with French translations
  • Terms with Galician translations
  • Terms with Georgian translations
  • Terms with German translations
  • Terms with Greek translations
  • Terms with Hebrew translations
  • Terms with Hindi translations
  • Terms with Hungarian translations
  • Terms with Icelandic translations
  • Terms with Indonesian translations
  • Terms with Irish translations
  • Terms with Italian translations
  • Terms with Japanese translations
  • Terms with Kazakh translations
  • Terms with Khmer translations
  • Terms with Korean translations
  • Terms with Central Kurdish translations
  • Terms with Northern Kurdish translations
  • Terms with Kyrgyz translations
  • Terms with Lao translations
  • Terms with Latin translations
  • Terms with Latvian translations
  • Terms with Lithuanian translations
  • Terms with Luxembourgish translations
  • Terms with Macedonian translations
  • Terms with Malay translations
  • Terms with Mongolian translations
  • Terms with Norwegian Bokmål translations
  • Terms with Occitan translations
  • Terms with Pashto translations
  • Terms with Persian translations
  • Terms with Polish translations
  • Terms with Portuguese translations
  • Terms with Romanian translations
  • Terms with Russian translations
  • Terms with Serbo-Croatian translations
  • Terms with Slovak translations
  • Terms with Slovene translations
  • Terms with Spanish translations
  • Terms with Swedish translations
  • Terms with Tagalog translations
  • Terms with Tajik translations
  • Terms with Tatar translations
  • Terms with Thai translations
  • Terms with Turkish translations
  • Terms with Turkmen translations
  • Terms with Ukrainian translations
  • Urdu terms with non-redundant manual transliterations
  • Terms with Urdu translations
  • Terms with Uyghur translations
  • Terms with Uzbek translations
  • Terms with Vietnamese translations
  • Terms with Ottoman Turkish translations
  • Requests for translations into Russian
  • Requests for review of French translations
  • Requests for review of Icelandic translations
  • Requests for review of Persian translations
  • Requests for review of Romanian translations
  • Requests for review of Swedish translations
  • Requests for review of Turkish translations
  • Latin nouns with red links in their inflection tables

Navigation menu

What's the opposite of
Meaning of the word
Words that rhyme with
Sentences with the word
Translate to
Find Words Use * for blank tiles (max 2) Use * for blank spaces
Find the of
Pronounce the word in
Find Names    
Appearance
Use device theme  
Dark theme
Light theme
? ? Here's the word you're looking for. The plural form of hypothesis is .
Use * for blank tiles (max 2)
Use * for blank spaces
The study focuses on math and language arts, and the results strongly support these .
His distaste for is the natural reaction of a man in possession of a far superior instrument for winnowing truth from error.
The problem with existing adaptationist of human reproductive behavior is twofold.
Accordingly, to deprive us of knowledge, sceptical need only to be bare logical possibilities.
The transformation rules may comprise both causal and modal transforms.
This section includes many thoughtful that are backed up by clearly illustrated tables and figures.

bottom_desktop desktop:[300x250]

go
Word Tools Finders & Helpers Apps More Synonyms


Copyright WordHippo © 2024
  • Daily Crossword
  • Word Puzzle
  • Word Finder
  • Word of the Day
  • Synonym of the Day
  • Word of the Year
  • Language stories
  • All featured
  • Gender and sexuality
  • All pop culture
  • Writing hub
  • Grammar essentials
  • Commonly confused
  • All writing tips
  • Pop culture
  • Writing tips

Advertisement

[ hahy- poth - uh -sis , hi- ]

  • a proposition, or set of propositions, set forth as an explanation for the occurrence of some specified group of phenomena, either asserted merely as a provisional conjecture to guide investigation working hypothesis or accepted as highly probable in the light of established facts.
  • a proposition assumed as a premise in an argument.
  • the antecedent of a conditional proposition.
  • a mere assumption or guess.

/ haɪˈpɒθɪsɪs /

  • a suggested explanation for a group of facts or phenomena, either accepted as a basis for further verification ( working hypothesis ) or accepted as likely to be true Compare theory
  • an assumption used in an argument without its being endorsed; a supposition
  • an unproved theory; a conjecture

/ hī-pŏth ′ ĭ-sĭs /

, Plural hypotheses hī-pŏth ′ ĭ-sēz′

  • A statement that explains or makes generalizations about a set of facts or principles, usually forming a basis for possible experiments to confirm its viability.
  • plur. hypotheses (heye- poth -uh-seez) In science, a statement of a possible explanation for some natural phenomenon. A hypothesis is tested by drawing conclusions from it; if observation and experimentation show a conclusion to be false, the hypothesis must be false. ( See scientific method and theory .)

Derived Forms

  • hyˈpothesist , noun

Other Words From

  • hy·pothe·sist noun
  • counter·hy·pothe·sis noun plural counterhypotheses
  • subhy·pothe·sis noun plural subhypotheses

Word History and Origins

Origin of hypothesis 1

Synonym Study

Example sentences.

Each one is a set of questions we’re fascinated by and hypotheses we’re testing.

Mousa’s research hinges on the “contact hypothesis,” the idea that positive interactions among rival group members can reduce prejudices.

Do more research on it, come up with a hypothesis as to why it underperforms, and try to improve it.

Now is the time to test your hypotheses to figure out what’s changing in your customers’ worlds, and address these topics directly.

Whether computing power alone is enough to fuel continued machine learning breakthroughs is a source of debate, but it seems clear we’ll be able to test the hypothesis.

Though researchers have struggled to understand exactly what contributes to this gender difference, Dr. Rohan has one hypothesis.

The leading hypothesis for the ultimate source of the Ebola virus, and where it retreats in between outbreaks, lies in bats.

In 1996, John Paul II called the Big Bang theory “more than a hypothesis.”

To be clear: There have been no double-blind or controlled studies that conclusively confirm this hair-loss hypothesis.

The bacteria-driven-ritual hypothesis ignores the huge diversity of reasons that could push someone to perform a religious ritual.

And remember it is by our hypothesis the best possible form and arrangement of that lesson.

Taken in connection with what we know of the nebulæ, the proof of Laplace's nebular hypothesis may fairly be regarded as complete.

What has become of the letter from M. de St. Mars, said to have been discovered some years ago, confirming this last hypothesis?

To admit that there had really been any communication between the dead man and the living one is also an hypothesis.

"I consider it highly probable," asserted Aunt Maria, forgetting her Scandinavian hypothesis.

Related Words

  • explanation
  • interpretation
  • proposition
  • supposition

More About Hypothesis

What is a hypothesis .

In science, a hypothesis is a statement or proposition that attempts to explain phenomena or facts. Hypotheses are often tested to see if they are accurate.

Crafting a useful hypothesis is one of the early steps in the scientific method , which is central to every field of scientific experimentation. A useful scientific hypothesis is based on current, accepted scientific knowledge and is testable.

Outside of science, the word hypothesis is often used more loosely to mean a guess or prediction.

Why is hypothesis important?

The first records of the term hypothesis come from around 1590. It comes from the Greek term hypóthesis , meaning “basis, supposition.”

Trustworthy science involves experiments and tests. In order to have an experiment, you need to test something. In science, that something is called a hypothesis . It is important to remember that, in science, a verified hypothesis is not actually confirmed to be an absolute truth. Instead, it is accepted to be accurate according to modern knowledge. Science always allows for the possibility that new information could disprove a widely accepted hypothesis .

Related to this, scientists will usually only propose a new hypothesis when new information is discovered because there is no reason to test something that is already accepted as scientifically accurate.

Did you know … ?

It can take a long time and even the discovery of new technology to confirm that a hypothesis is accurate. Physicist Albert Einstein ’s 1916 theory of relativity contained hypotheses about space and time that have only been confirmed recently, thanks to modern technology!

What are real-life examples of hypothesis ?

While in science, hypothesis has a narrow meaning, in general use its meaning is broader.

"This study confirms the hypothesis that individuals who have been infected with COVID-19 have persistent objectively measurable cognitive deficits." (N=81,337) Ventilation subgroup show 7-point reduction in IQ https://t.co/50xrNNHC5E — Claire Lehmann (@clairlemon) July 23, 2021
Not everyone drives. They can walk, cycle, catch a train, tram etc. That’s alternatives. What’s your alternative in your hypothesis? — Barry (@Bazzaboy1982) July 27, 2021

What other words are related to hypothesis ?

  • scientific method
  • scientific theory

Quiz yourself!

True or False?

In science, a hypothesis must be based on current scientific information and be testable.

  • Create account
  • Contributions

Pronunciation

  • ( UK ) IPA ( key ) : /haɪˈpɒθəˌsiːz/ , SAMPA : /haI"pQT@%si:z/
  • ( US ) IPA ( key ) : /haɪˈpɑːθəˌsiːz/ , SAMPA : /hai"pA:T@%si:z/
Audio (US) ( )



  • The plural form of hypothesis ; more than one (kind of) hypothesis. I have several hypotheses about why attendance has gone down over the last six months.

plural for hypothesis

  • Plurals ending in "-es"
  • Unexpected parameter in audio template
  • Words with Friends Cheat
  • Wordle Solver
  • Word Unscrambler
  • Scrabble Dictionary
  • Anagram Solver
  • Wordscapes Answers

Make Our Dictionary Yours

Sign up for our weekly newsletters and get:

  • Grammar and writing tips
  • Fun language articles
  • #WordOfTheDay and quizzes

By signing in, you agree to our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy .

We'll see you in your inbox soon.

Hypothesis Definition

  • speculation
  • supposition
  • possibility
  • measurement
  • calculation

Other Word Forms of Hypothesis

Origin of hypothesis.

Recorded since 1596, from Middle French hypothese , from Late Latin hypothesis , from Ancient Greek ὑπόθεσις (hupothesis, “base, basis of an argument, supposition”), literally “a placing under”, itself from ὑποτίθημι (hupotithēmi, “I set before, suggest”), from ὑπό (upo, “below”) + τίθημι (tithēmi, “I put, place”).

From Wiktionary

Latin subject for a speech from Greek hupothesis proposal, supposition from hupotithenai hupothe- to suppose hupo- hypo- tithenai to place dhē- in Indo-European roots

From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition

Hypothesis Sentence Examples

Their hypothesis explains so many facts.

An unproven hypothesis of the existence of things can be useful.

There is no data to accept or refute this hypothesis .

At any rate this hypothesis suggests an explanation of many hitherto inexplicable facts.

The schedule now called for hypothesis testing.

Related Articles

Woman in Bed Examples of Hypothesis

Find Similar Words

Find similar words to hypothesis using the buttons below.

Words Starting With

Words ending with, unscrambles, words starting with h and ending with s, word length, words near hypothesis in the dictionary.

  • hypothenusal
  • hypothenuse
  • hypothermal
  • hypothermia
  • hypothermic
  • hypothesise
  • hypothesised
  • hypothesises
  • hypothesising
  • hypothesize
  • Dictionaries home
  • American English
  • Collocations
  • German-English
  • Grammar home
  • Practical English Usage
  • Learn & Practise Grammar (Beta)
  • Word Lists home
  • My Word Lists
  • Recent additions
  • Resources home
  • Text Checker

Definition of hypothesis noun from the Oxford Advanced American Dictionary

  • formulate/advance a theory/hypothesis
  • build/construct/create/develop a simple/theoretical/mathematical model
  • develop/establish/provide/use a theoretical/conceptual framework/an algorithm
  • advance/argue/develop the thesis that…
  • explore an idea/a concept/a hypothesis
  • make a prediction/an inference
  • base a prediction/your calculations on something
  • investigate/evaluate/accept/challenge/reject a theory/hypothesis/model
  • design an experiment/a questionnaire/a study/a test
  • do research/an experiment/an analysis
  • make observations/calculations
  • take/record measurements
  • carry out/conduct/perform an experiment/a test/a longitudinal study/observations/clinical trials
  • run an experiment/a simulation/clinical trials
  • repeat an experiment/a test/an analysis
  • replicate a study/the results/the findings
  • observe/study/examine/investigate/assess a pattern/a process/a behavior
  • fund/support the research/project/study
  • seek/provide/get/secure funding for research
  • collect/gather/extract data/information
  • yield data/evidence/similar findings/the same results
  • analyze/examine the data/soil samples/a specimen
  • consider/compare/interpret the results/findings
  • fit the data/model
  • confirm/support/verify a prediction/a hypothesis/the results/the findings
  • prove a conjecture/hypothesis/theorem
  • draw/make/reach the same conclusions
  • read/review the records/literature
  • describe/report an experiment/a study
  • present/publish/summarize the results/findings
  • present/publish/read/review/cite a paper in a scientific journal

Questions about grammar and vocabulary?

Find the answers with Practical English Usage online, your indispensable guide to problems in English.

  • 2 [ uncountable ] guesses and ideas that are not based on certain knowledge synonym speculation It would be pointless to engage in hypothesis before we have the facts.

Other results

Nearby words.

  • Vocabulary exercises help you to learn synonyms, collocations and idioms.
  • Intermediate and Advanced level grammar practice with progress tests.
  • Listening and pronunciation, exam preparation and more!

More results

  • null hypothesis

Image of comb

Explore topics

  • Crime & law

Cambridge Dictionary

  • Cambridge Dictionary +Plus

Meaning of hypothesis – Learner’s Dictionary

Your browser doesn't support HTML5 audio

(Definition of hypothesis from the Cambridge Learner's Dictionary © Cambridge University Press)

Translations of hypothesis

Get a quick, free translation!

{{randomImageQuizHook.quizId}}

Word of the Day

a child's toy in the shape of a small person or baby

Treasure troves and endless supplies (Words and phrases meaning ‘source’)

Treasure troves and endless supplies (Words and phrases meaning ‘source’)

plural for hypothesis

Learn more with +Plus

  • Recent and Recommended {{#preferredDictionaries}} {{name}} {{/preferredDictionaries}}
  • Definitions Clear explanations of natural written and spoken English English Learner’s Dictionary Essential British English Essential American English
  • Grammar and thesaurus Usage explanations of natural written and spoken English Grammar Thesaurus
  • Pronunciation British and American pronunciations with audio English Pronunciation
  • English–Chinese (Simplified) Chinese (Simplified)–English
  • English–Chinese (Traditional) Chinese (Traditional)–English
  • English–Dutch Dutch–English
  • English–French French–English
  • English–German German–English
  • English–Indonesian Indonesian–English
  • English–Italian Italian–English
  • English–Japanese Japanese–English
  • English–Norwegian Norwegian–English
  • English–Polish Polish–English
  • English–Portuguese Portuguese–English
  • English–Spanish Spanish–English
  • English–Swedish Swedish–English
  • Dictionary +Plus Word Lists
  • Learner’s Dictionary    Noun
  • Translations
  • All translations

To add hypothesis to a word list please sign up or log in.

Add hypothesis to one of your lists below, or create a new one.

{{message}}

Something went wrong.

There was a problem sending your report.

Words and phrases

Personal account.

  • Access or purchase personal subscriptions
  • Get our newsletter
  • Save searches
  • Set display preferences

Institutional access

Sign in with library card

Sign in with username / password

Recommend to your librarian

Institutional account management

Sign in as administrator on Oxford Academic

hypothesis noun

  • Hide all quotations

What does the noun hypothesis mean?

There are seven meanings listed in OED's entry for the noun hypothesis , two of which are labelled obsolete. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.

Entry status

OED is undergoing a continuous programme of revision to modernize and improve definitions. This entry has not yet been fully revised.

How common is the noun hypothesis ?

How is the noun hypothesis pronounced?

British english, u.s. english, where does the noun hypothesis come from.

Earliest known use

The earliest known use of the noun hypothesis is in the late 1500s.

OED's earliest evidence for hypothesis is from 1596, in the writing of Earl of Essex.

hypothesis is a borrowing from Greek .

Etymons: Greek ὑπόθεσις .

Nearby entries

  • hypothecarious, adj. 1726–
  • hypothecary, adj. 1656–
  • hypothecate, v. 1693–
  • hypothecation, n. 1681–
  • hypothecative, adj. 1856–
  • hypothecator, n. 1828–
  • hypothecium, n. 1866–
  • hypothenar, adj. 1706–
  • hypothermia, n. 1886–
  • hypothermic, adj. 1898–
  • hypothesis, n. 1596–
  • hypothesist, n. 1788–
  • hypothesize, v. 1738–
  • hypothesizer, n. 1833–
  • hypothetic, adj. & n. a1680–
  • hypothetical, adj. & n. 1588–
  • hypothetically, adv. 1628–
  • hypothetico-deductive, adj. 1912–
  • hypothetico-deductively, adv. 1953–
  • hypothetico-disjunctive, adj. & n. a1856–
  • hypothetist, n. 1852–

Thank you for visiting Oxford English Dictionary

To continue reading, please sign in below or purchase a subscription. After purchasing, please sign in below to access the content.

Meaning & use

Pronunciation, compounds & derived words, entry history for hypothesis, n..

hypothesis, n. was first published in 1899; not yet revised.

hypothesis, n. was last modified in September 2024.

Revision of the OED is a long-term project. Entries in oed.com which have not been revised may include:

  • corrections and revisions to definitions, pronunciation, etymology, headwords, variant spellings, quotations, and dates;
  • new senses, phrases, and quotations which have been added in subsequent print and online updates.

Revisions and additions of this kind were last incorporated into hypothesis, n. in September 2024.

Earlier versions of this entry were published in:

OED First Edition (1899)

  • Find out more

OED Second Edition (1989)

  • View hypothesis in OED Second Edition

Please submit your feedback for hypothesis, n.

Please include your email address if you are happy to be contacted about your feedback. OUP will not use this email address for any other purpose.

Citation details

Factsheet for hypothesis, n., browse entry.

IMAGES

  1. Plural of Hypothesis: Rules and Examples

    plural for hypothesis

  2. [0021]1000 English Grammar Test Practice Questions: Plural for Hypothesis||Plural of Hypothesis

    plural for hypothesis

  3. What's the Plural of Hypothesis?

    plural for hypothesis

  4. What's the Plural of Hypothesis?

    plural for hypothesis

  5. What's the Plural of Hypothesis?

    plural for hypothesis

  6. What Is The Plural Of Hypothesis?

    plural for hypothesis

VIDEO

  1. What Is A Hypothesis?

  2. HYPOTHESIS in 3 minutes for UPSC ,UGC NET and others

  3. Rabbi Joel Labin, Rav of congregation Noam Verutzon, toms river NJ Brooklyn, New York

  4. Word Wiz: Plural Form Quiz

  5. Types of Hypothesis in Research Methodology with examples

  6. SESSION 21 Hypothesis testing for one population part 1 UGBS301

COMMENTS

  1. The Plural of Hypothesis

    Learn how to form the plural of "hypothesis" correctly and avoid common mistakes. The plural is "hypotheses" and derives from Greek. See examples, rules and exceptions.

  2. Hypothesis Definition & Meaning

    Learn the meaning, synonyms, and examples of hypothesis, a word that can mean an assumption, an interpretation, or a tentative explanation. Find out the difference between hypothesis and theory, and how to use them correctly in scientific and non-scientific contexts.

  3. HYPOTHESES

    Learn the meaning and usage of the word hypotheses, the plural of hypothesis, with examples from the Cambridge English Corpus. Find out how to distinguish between different types of hypotheses and how to test them.

  4. What's the Plural of Hypothesis?

    Learn the meaning, origin and examples of the plural of hypothesis, which is hypotheses. Hypothesis is an irregular noun that changes from singular to plural by adding -ses.

  5. What is the Plural of Hypothesis?

    Learn how to form the plural of hypothesis in English and what it means in different contexts. Find out the difference between hypothesis and theory, idea and hypothesis, and see examples of hypothesis in sentences.

  6. What's the plural of hypothesis?

    Learn the definition, origin and examples of the plural form of hypothesis, a Greek-derived word that ends in -is. Find out how to use hypotheses in scientific contexts and avoid common mistakes.

  7. HYPOTHESES

    Learn the meaning and usage of the word hypotheses, the plural of hypothesis, in English. See examples of hypotheses in sentences from various sources and related words.

  8. What is the Plural of Hypothesis?

    The plural form of the word "hypothesis" is "hypotheses". Learn how to form plural nouns, the types of nouns, and the definition of the word hypothesis with sentence examples.

  9. A Comprehensive Analysis of The Plural Forms of Hypothesis

    The plural of "hypothesis" laid bare. It is time to go forth and spread your newfound knowledge, one hypothesis (or maybe even hypotheseses) at a time! The goal is to clearly reach out to your audience without flooding your writing or sentences with grammatical errors.

  10. hypothesis noun

    Collocations Scientific research Scientific research Theory. formulate/ advance a theory/ hypothesis; build/ construct/ create/ develop a simple/ theoretical/ mathematical model; develop/ establish/ provide/ use a theoretical/ conceptual framework; advance/ argue/ develop the thesis that…; explore an idea/ a concept/ a hypothesis; make a prediction/ an inference

  11. HYPOTHESIS

    HYPOTHESIS definition: 1. an idea or explanation for something that is based on known facts but has not yet been proved…. Learn more.

  12. Whats the Plural of Hypothesis: Understanding Grammatical Number

    The word "hypotheses" is the plural form of "hypothesis." "Hypothesis" and "hypotheses" are used to propose explanations for phenomena, with usage depending on the number. The origin of "hypothesis" traces back to Greek, affecting its pluralization in English. In the most straightforward terms, the plural of "hypothesis" is "hypotheses."

  13. hypothesis

    Learn the definition, etymology, pronunciation and translations of the word hypothesis in English and other languages. Find out the plural form of hypothesis in different contexts and examples.

  14. What is the plural of hypothesis

    The plural form of hypothesis is hypotheses. Find more words! The transformation rules may comprise both causal hypotheses and modal transforms. This section includes many thoughtful hypotheses that are backed up by clearly illustrated tables and figures. His distaste for hypotheses is the natural reaction of a man in possession of a far ...

  15. HYPOTHESIS Definition & Meaning

    Hypothesis definition: a proposition, or set of propositions, set forth as an explanation for the occurrence of some specified group of phenomena, either asserted merely as a provisional conjecture to guide investigation (working hypothesis ) or accepted as highly probable in the light of established facts.. See examples of HYPOTHESIS used in a sentence.

  16. hypotheses

    hypotheses. The plural form of hypothesis; more than one (kind of) hypothesis. I have several hypotheses about why attendance has gone down over the last six months. Categories: Nouns.

  17. Hypothesis Definition & Meaning

    Hypothesis definition: An unproved theory, proposition, supposition, etc. tentatively accepted to explain certain facts or (working hypothesis) to provide a basis for further investigation, argument, etc. ... Plural: hypotheses. Origin of Hypothesis Recorded ...

  18. hypothesis noun

    1 [countable] an idea or explanation of something that is based on a few known facts but that has not yet been proved to be true or correct synonym theory to formulate/confirm a hypothesis a hypothesis about the function of dreams There is little evidence to support these hypotheses. Topic Collocations Scientific Research theory. formulate/advance a theory/hypothesis

  19. hypothesis

    From Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English Related topics: Philosophy hypothesis hy‧poth‧e‧sis / haɪˈpɒθəsɪs $ -ˈpɑː-/ AWL noun (plural hypotheses /-siːz /) 1 [countable] RP IDEA an idea that is suggested as an explanation for something, but that has not yet been proved to be true SYN theory One hypothesis is that the ...

  20. HYPOTHESIS

    HYPOTHESIS meaning: 1. an idea or explanation for something that is based on known facts but has not yet been proved…. Learn more.

  21. HYPOTHESIS definition and meaning

    3 meanings: 1. a suggested explanation for a group of facts or phenomena, either accepted as a basis for further verification.... Click for more definitions.

  22. Meaning of hypothesis

    HYPOTHESIS definition: a suggested explanation for something that has not yet been proved to be true. Learn more.

  23. hypothesis, n. meanings, etymology and more

    late 1500s. The earliest known use of the noun hypothesis is in the late 1500s. OED's earliest evidence for hypothesis is from 1596, in the writing of Earl of Essex. hypothesis is a borrowing from Greek. Etymons: Greek ὑπόθεσις.