hypothesize

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

verb (used with object)

, hy·poth·e·sized, hy·poth·e·siz·ing.

1. to assume tentatively or set forth as a plausible explanation or as a reasonable basis for further investigation in the light of established facts:

   Given these data, we can hypothesize that the rise in truck accidents is directly related to the stressful work environment and unsafe driving practices of drivers.

2. to theorize, infer, or tentatively conclude:

   He said little, but based on his body language and tone, I hypothesized that he had feelings for her.

verb (used without object)

, hy·poth·e·sized, hy·poth·e·siz·ing.

1. to form or set forth, based on established facts, a plausible explanation or reasonable basis for further investigation of something:

   She has written several well-researched papers hypothesizing about the origins of language.

2. to theorize or draw tentative conclusions or inferences:

   I like to hypothesize about life in the next century.

hypothesize

/ haɪˈpɒθɪˌsaɪz /

verb

1. to form or assume as a hypothesis

hypothesize

/ hī-pŏth′ĭ-sīz′ /

1. To form a hypothesis.

Derived Forms

• hyˈpotheˌsizer, noun

Other Words From

• hy·poth·e·siz·er noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of hypothesize¹

First recorded in 1730–40; hypothes(is) + -ize

Example Sentences

Han's team hypothesized that certain emotions or behaviors could lead cortical neurons to activate the pons, which would then lower activity in the medulla, resulting in slower breath.

From Science Daily

Specifically, the researchers tested whether their hypothesized mathematical rules were obeyed by the structures in the database, which guided them toward principles that known structures were highly likely to follow.

From Science Daily

It could be hypothesized that given you consume all of the leaf, and given levels of some phytonutrients may be higher due to the growing conditions, matcha may have more nutritional benefits than green tea.

From Salon

In emails, Mid-Michigan health officials hypothesized that the cats acquired the virus from droplets, known as fomites, on their owners’ hands or clothing.

From Salon

In order to account for it, they hypothesized that it was being caused by invisible mass, or dark matter, that made up roughly 85% of all matter in the universe.

From Los Angeles Times