hypothesize

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

verb (used with object)

, hy·poth·e·sized, hy·poth·e·siz·ing.

1. to assume tentatively or set forth as a plausible explanation or as a reasonable basis for further investigation in the light of established facts:

   Given these data, we can hypothesize that the rise in truck accidents is directly related to the stressful work environment and unsafe driving practices of drivers.

2. to theorize, infer, or tentatively conclude:

   He said little, but based on his body language and tone, I hypothesized that he had feelings for her.

verb (used without object)

, hy·poth·e·sized, hy·poth·e·siz·ing.

1. to form or set forth, based on established facts, a plausible explanation or reasonable basis for further investigation of something:

   She has written several well-researched papers hypothesizing about the origins of language.

2. to theorize or draw tentative conclusions or inferences:

   I like to hypothesize about life in the next century.

hypothesize

/ haɪˈpɒθɪˌsaɪz /

verb

1. to form or assume as a hypothesis

hypothesize

/ hī-pŏth′ĭ-sīz′ /

1. To form a hypothesis.

Derived Forms

• hyˈpotheˌsizer, noun

Other Words From

• hy·poth·e·siz·er noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of hypothesize¹

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

Example Sentences

Across a range of ecosystems and animals, he says, the researchers were seeing wildlife corridors divided by hotspots for human-animal conflict, which they hypothesized would create barriers to movement, functionally cutting off the corridor.

From Popular-Science

The hypothesized nonmaterial vital essence, especially in human beings, has sometimes been called “spirit.”

From Nautilus

Competition between humans and wolves for prey would have declined as generations of pet wolves gradually evolved into dogs, the team hypothesizes.

From Science News

In any case, it seems we need more evidence, from experiments in both humans and non-human model organisms, to see if the ideas that Quiroga hypothesizes are true.

From Nautilus

Based on some previous findings, they hypothesized that the subjects would prefer the heavier load with fewer reps.

From Outside Online

Experts hypothesize the painting represents the “conquest dance,” a Christian conversion ritual still performed to this day.

From The Daily Beast

Historians hypothesize that the fruit in the Garden of Eden was a pomegranate, not an apple.

From The Daily Beast

One might hypothesize the maid was part of a scam to shake down any rich old man in a luxury suite.

From The Daily Beast

One can hypothesize that the bad decision came after the consumption of stupefying substances.

From The Daily Beast

Can it, as researchers hypothesize, cure our jet lag and help us get pregnant?

From The Daily Beast

We can, I repeat, thus hypothesize so long as we see no impossibility.

From Project Gutenberg

Consequently, we hypothesize the independent development of these dermal changes in S. baudini and phaeota.

From Project Gutenberg

Still, we can hypothesize, even if we cannot prove and establish.

From Project Gutenberg