hypothetical

[ hahy-puh-thet-i-kuhl ]

adjective

1. assumed or entertained as a theoretical possibility, invented example, premise for argument’s sake, etc.; supposed:

   In the hypothetical case that you miss your flight or it is delayed, you will need a contingency plan.

   Synonyms: speculative, theoretical, supposition, academic

2. relating to or characterized by the use of assumptions for argument’s sake or of provisional, informed conjectures to guide investigation:

   Science depends on hypothetical reasoning.

3. Logic.
   1. (of a proposition) highly conjectural; not well supported by available evidence.
   2. (of a proposition or syllogism) conditional ( def 3 ).
4. tending to resort to theoretical assumptions, conditional propositions, invented examples, etc., especially unrealistic ones; speculative:

   His stuff is fun to read, but he’s so hypothetical I can’t take him seriously.

   Stop the worry spiral in your mind before your thoughts become too hypothetical.

noun

1. a hypothetical situation, instance, etc.:

   The Secretary of Defense refused to discuss hypotheticals with the reporters.

hypothetical

/ ˌhaɪpəˈθɛtɪkəl /

adjective

1. having the nature of a hypothesis
2. assumed or thought to exist
3. logic another word for conditional
4. existing only as an idea or concept

   a time machine is a hypothetical device

Derived Forms

• ˌhypoˈthetically, adverb

Other Words From

• hy·po·thet·i·cal·ly adverb
• un·hy·po·thet·i·cal adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of hypothetical¹

First recorded in 1580–90; from Greek hypothetik(ós) “supposed” ( hypo- hypo- + the- “placed, put,” base of tithénai “to place, put, set”) + -tikos -tic ) + -al ¹

Example Sentences

The planning, they acknowledge, responds to a hypothetical worst case in which a second Trump presidency ushers in systematic suppression of free speech and criminalization of dissent.

From Salon

In a recent interview with CBS, the BBC's US partner, Homan was asked about a hypothetical situation in which a grandmother was caught up in a "targeted" enforcement operation going after criminals.

From BBC

He added he would not comment on "hypothetical scenarios" of a future US administration.

From BBC

Right now, in foreign ministries around the world, including in London, hypothetical game plans for this scenario are becoming the real deal.

From BBC

By the same token, if an institution with more firepower than any entity on earth meekly submits to threats that are thus far hypothetical, how would it act if Trump were actually in power?

From Salon

Related Words

• debatable
• imaginary
• problematic
• speculative
• theoretical
• vague