noun · academic
hypothesis
UK/haɪˈpɒθəsɪs/US/haɪˈpɑːθəsɪs/hy·POTH·e·sis
a proposed explanation made on the basis of limited evidence as a starting point for further investigation
Examples
“The researchers tested the hypothesis that exercise improves memory in older adults.”
“In IELTS Task 2 you don't need a hypothesis, but in essays about science it's useful to mention one.”
“Formulating a clear hypothesis helps structure an investigation.”
Band 8 sentence
“The initial hypothesis—that exposure to green space enhances cognitive function—was supported by the data.”
Collocations
- test a hypothesis
- formulate a hypothesis
Word family
Common mistakes
use 'theory' instead of 'hypothesis'→hypothesis
Say it for a higher band
5idea→6theory→7+hypothesis
Synonyms
theory
Easily confused
theory
“The theory of evolution is supported by extensive evidence.”
Related words
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