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hypothetically

hypothetically

72 6.3
To imagine a situation to talk about what might happen
  • adverb
  • /ˌhaɪpəˈθɛtɪkli/
translation icon : hipotéticamente
  • Hypothetically, if you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
  • hypothetically speaking
  • hypothetically possible

How would that hypothetically compare to your experience?

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Examples

  • So let's just say hypothetically we are trying to design a website.

  • How would that hypothetically compare to your experience?

  • And just say hypothetically, this works great.

  • Suppose you have, hypothetically, someone in Germany who has a good product that has been approved by the Commission.

    Academic text (1999)
  • But hypothetically, how long would it take you to deploy?

  • But let's just say hypothetically, I was going to propose to you.

  • Hypothetically, if you do find the bags will you be going through them?

  • Hypothetically, both parents provide a more stable environment in which values can be reinforced.

    Academic text (2005)
  • Becky and I have had several discussions about this hypothetically, and we both share the same opinion.

    Blog text (11)
  • I obviously don't agree with your conclusions, but let's say that, hypothetically, you are spot on.

    Blog text (1)

Synonyms

speculatively
vshypothetically
1 6.7

Say or do something while guessing without firm proof

is used to pose imagined cases for testing ideas not to guess
notionally
vshypothetically
1 7.1

In theory or for calculation, it is not actually real

is used to imagine situations for argument or investigation rather than calculation

Antonyms

33 4.1

In a way that uses true information

How Speculative

possibly
1.0
hypothetically
72 6.3
theoretically
119 6.0

Surface Forms

hypothetically positive

Morphology

hypothetically = hypothetical (transparent) = hypothetical + ly

The adverb is formed by the productive English suffix '-ly' added to the adjective 'hypothetical', so the meaning 'in a hypothetical manner' is directly predictable.

Etymology

Hypothetically comes from the parts hypo- meaning 'under' and thesis meaning 'placing', and is related to hypothesis, an 'idea' you offer to test. So to speak hypothetically is to 'suppose' or 'imagine' something that is not a fact, just to think about it for discussion.