hypothesize

[hahy-poth-uh-sahyz, hi-]

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR hypothesize ON THESAURUS.COM

verb (used without object), hy·poth·e·sized, hy·poth·e·siz·ing.

to form a hypothesis.

verb (used with object), hy·poth·e·sized, hy·poth·e·siz·ing.

to assume by hypothesis.

Also hypothecate; especially British, hy·poth·e·sise.

Origin of hypothesize

First recorded in 1730–40; hypothes(is) + -ize

Related formshy·poth·e·siz·er, noun

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Related Words for hypothesize

conjecture, cerebrate, consider, figure, deliberate, dope, guess, excogitate, contemplate, brainstorm, cogitate, guesstimate

Examples from the Web for hypothesize

Contemporary Examples of hypothesize

One might hypothesize the maid was part of a scam to shake down any rich old man in a luxury suite.
The Martyrdom of DSK
Christopher Dickey
July 5, 2011
One can hypothesize that the bad decision came after the consumption of stupefying substances.
New Hope for Amanda Knox
Barbie Latza Nadeau
March 4, 2010

Historical Examples of hypothesize

Still, we can hypothesize, even if we cannot prove and establish.
Moby Dick; or The Whale
Herman Melville
Consequently, we hypothesize the independent development of these dermal changes in S. baudini and phaeota.
Neotropical Hylid Frogs, Genus Smilisca
William E. Duellman

British Dictionary definitions for hypothesize

hypothesize

hypothesise

verb

to form or assume as a hypothesis

Derived Formshypothesizer or hypothesiser, noun

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for hypothesize

1738, from hypothesis + -ize. Related: Hypothesized; hypothesizing.

hypothesize in Science

hypothesize

[hī-pŏth′ĭ-sīz′]

To form a hypothesis.