hypothetically

American  

[hahy-puh-thet-i-klee] / ˌhaɪ pəˈθɛt ɪ kli /

adverb

1. according to what is assumed as a premise in an argument.

   Hypothetically, without friction or other resistance a toy car on a track could cruise along indefinitely, provided it never went higher than its starting point.

2. in a way that is theoretically possible but not proven; conjecturally; speculatively.

   Hypothetically, these nanobots would be able to traverse any type of terrain and would therefore be ideal for exploration missions on other planets.

   While hypothetically this could be the case, you appear to have no evidence to support it.

3. according to what is assumed or imagined; supposedly.

   I do legal transcription and hypothetically clean the house while my children are at school.

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Other Word Forms

• unhypothetically
  adverb

Etymology

Origin of hypothetically

hypothetical ( def. ) + -ly

Example Sentences

Hypothetically, had we not heated the globe to its current state, the number of unusually warm days would have been far fewer, the scientists estimated, using mathematical modeling of the global climate.

From New York Times • May 28, 2024

Hypothetically, Minaret could exist as a private community thriving with the support of the people who respect Hilmy.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 3, 2023

"Hypothetically speaking of course, let's say you are seated behind Lupita Nyong'o on an airplane. What would be your opening line?"

From BBC • Oct. 20, 2023

Hypothetically, if Amazon were to lose points for an increase in carbon emissions, it could gain points for a salary increase for its hourly warehouse workers.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 1, 2023

“I mean, yeah...bad choices. Like not trusting people’s brothers who, you know, might need saving. Hypothetically speaking.”

From "The Mark of Athena" by Rick Riordan

Related Words

• apparently
• doubtless
• probably
• seemingly
• supposedly
• surely