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hypothetical
[ hahy-puh-thet-i-kuhl ]
adjective
- 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: , , ,
- 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.
- Logic.
- (of a proposition) highly conjectural; not well supported by available evidence.
- (of a proposition or syllogism) conditional ( def 3 ).
- 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
- a hypothetical situation, instance, etc.:
The Secretary of Defense refused to discuss hypotheticals with the reporters.
hypothetical
/ ˌɪəˈθɛɪə /
adjective
- having the nature of a hypothesis
- assumed or thought to exist
- logic another word for conditional
- existing only as an idea or concept
a time machine is a hypothetical device
Derived Forms
- ˌˈٳپ, adverb
Other Word Forms
- ··ٳ··· adverb
- ܲ···ٳ·· adjective
Word History and Origins
Origin of hypothetical1
Example Sentences
At the time, an unnamed Democrat explained to Axios that the party was acting with stereotypical fear of a hypothetical conservative reaction and pre-emptively giving in.
Managers at Marineland said sanctuaries are a hypothetical that "will take years" to be built and with "no guarantees" the whales will be properly looked after.
It's likely that will pose the Conservatives with a tricky real-life question after many weeks of troublesome hypothetical arguments: will they, or won't they, work with their arch rivals Reform UK on the ground?
According to one hypothetical scenario published by the U.S.
These remain largely experimental or hypothetical, but represent an instructive ideal we can keep in mind when considering other forms of public engagement and how they might be improved.
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