noun · academic
hypothesis
UK/haɪˈpɒθəsɪs/US/haɪˈpɑːθəsɪs/hy·POTH·e·sis
a proposed explanation or prediction that can be tested by research
Examples
“Our initial hypothesis was that noise would reduce productivity, so we ran a pilot study.”
“She formulated a hypothesis and then designed experiments to test it.”
“The hypothesis needs clear operational definitions before data collection starts.”
Band 8 sentence
“Based on preliminary observations, we proposed a testable hypothesis that prolonged exposure to urban noise impairs cognitive performance.”
Collocations
- formulate a hypothesis
- test a hypothesis
- support/refute a hypothesis
Word family
Common mistakes
Many hypothesis were tested.→Many hypotheses were tested.
We made a hypothesis about the results.→We formulated/made a hypothesis about the results.
The hypothesis is confirm.→The hypothesis is confirmed.
Say it for a higher band
5idea→6assumption→7+hypothesis
Synonyms
theory
assumption
Easily confused
theory
“Darwin's theory of evolution is supported by a wide range of evidence.”
Related words
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In Sublist 5
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