hypothesize

American  

[hahy-poth-uh-sahyz, hi-] / haɪˈpɒθ əˌsaɪz, hɪ- /

especially British, hypothesise

verb (used with object)

hypothesized, hypothesizing

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.

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verb (used without object)

hypothesized, hypothesizing

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 British  

/ haɪˈpɒθɪˌsaɪz /

verb

1. to form or assume as a hypothesis

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hypothesize Scientific  

/ hī-pŏth′ĭ-sīz′ /

1. To form a hypothesis.

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Other Word Forms

• hypothesizer noun

Etymology

Origin of hypothesize

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

Example Sentences

The genes were biologically "toxic" to humans, researchers hypothesized, and eventually purged out -- in essence, the children who inherited those traits might not have lived to pass them on.

From Barron's

Instead, they hypothesized that she was using her joints and muscles.

From Literature

Citrini Research published a widely read report on Sunday hypothesizing about how AI could transform the economy, including day-to-day payments, dragging down the shares of companies that make money from processing them.

From The Wall Street Journal

Based on this, the researchers hypothesize that genetic variation in ST6GAL1 could affect Paraprevotella levels and, in turn, susceptibility to viral infection.

From Science Daily

"We hypothesized there was likely something real behind the hype because rosemary contains many antioxidants," said Pang, co-lead author of the study.

From Science Daily