hypothetical
126
6.9
- adjective
- /ˌhaɪpəˈθɛtɪkəl/
:
hipotético
- In our discussion, we considered several hypothetical scenarios to better understand the problem.
- a hypothetical situation
- a hypothetical scenario
- a hypothetical example
Law school exams use the issue spotter hypothetical method of final exams.
- Law school exams use the issue spotter hypothetical method of final exams.
- Wow, what an amazing hypothetical science fiction scenario.
- They're a hypothetical or fictional being from another world.
- Sounds harsh, I know, but it's not a hypothetical statement.
- They concentrate upon the third, upon arguments, syllogisms, hypothetical premises and sophisms.
- For instance, if it's true, then all imperatives are hypothetical.
- Well, you'll first notice that when this hypothetical kid said I want to be rich, what was my response?
- With power as their, as their, as their hypothetical guardian and guide.
- And then as we March through this hypothetical experience that does take place in your lap.
Examples
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One approach has involved asking participants to rate certain sexual behaviors of hypothetical men and women.
Academic text (1999) -
Until I rule on that, you may speak of that possibility only in hypothetical terms.
Fiction book (2002) -
OK, everyone, so this is hypothetical because we do not have kids together.
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The only difference is that in my hypothetical case, the students would have been right.
Academic text (1991) -
So what you see here is just a hypothetical spectrum for water.
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I'm just asking a hypothetical question, OK?
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Wow, what an amazing hypothetical science fiction scenario.
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This is all hypothetical, isn't it, Tom?
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I really love that Becky and Keith have agreed that I can marry her in this hypothetical situation.
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In other words, a remarkable $12 trillion was being hoarded for a hypothetical disaster.
Academic text (2011)
Synonyms
26
6.7
Based on guesses rather than facts
2
8.2
Made as a guess when there is little evidence
An idea people use as a guess for testing or discussion
Based on an idea rather than on solid proof
Not supported by facts
Based mainly on guesswork rather than proven facts
Based on guessing rather than on good evidence
Thought to be true but often doubted
Antonyms
Compounds
- Formal
A rule that says to do something only if you want a certain result
How Hypothetical
Surface Forms
Morphology
hypothetical = hypothesis (transparent) = hypothet + ical
The adjective is a regular adjectival formation from 'hypothesis' using the productive suffix '-ical', so its meaning relates directly to the noun.
Etymology
Hypothetical comes from Greek parts hypo- meaning 'under' and -thetical from a word meaning 'to place', the same root as hypothesis. So a hypothetical idea is one you 'place' for testing or discussion, not something proved.