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hypothesis

hy·poth·e·sis [ hī póthəssiss ] (plural hy·poth·e·ses [ hī póthə sz ])


noun 
Definition:
 
1. theory needing investigation: a tentative explanation for a phenomenon, used as a basis for further investigation
The hypothesis of the big bang is one way to explain the beginning of the universe.

2. assumption: a statement that is assumed to be true for the sake of argument
That is what would logically follow if you accepted the hypothesis.

3. antecedent clause: in logic, the antecedent of a conditional statement

[Late 16th century. Via late Latin< Greek hupothesis "foundation, base" < thesis "placing"]

hy·poth·e·sist noun
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