hypothetical

[hahy-puh-thet-i-kuhl]

adjective

1. 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: speculative, theoretical, supposition, academic

2. 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.

3. Logic.

   1. (of a proposition) highly conjectural; not well supported by available evidence.

   2. (of a proposition or syllogism) conditional.

4. 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

1. a hypothetical situation, instance, etc..

   The Secretary of Defense refused to discuss hypotheticals with the reporters.

hypothetical

/ ˌhaɪpəˈθɛtɪkəl /

adjective

1. having the nature of a hypothesis

2. assumed or thought to exist

3. logic another word for conditional

4. existing only as an idea or concept

   a time machine is a hypothetical device

Other Word Forms

• hypothetically adverb
• unhypothetical adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of hypothetical¹

First recorded in 1580–90; from Greek hypothetik(ós) “supposed” ( hypo- hypo- + the- “placed, put,” base of tithénai “to place, put, set”) + -tikos -tic ) + -al ¹

Example Sentences

“A lot of people get into this wishful thinking or hypotheticals” around taking advantage of specific perks, Papadimitriou said.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

From this perspective, the fight over the Johnson Amendment is no longer about hypothetical infractions but about whether tax-exempt status for churches and religious organizations is, in effect, subsidizing a specific political movement.

Read more on Salon

One strategy is asking what advice they would give a hypothetical subordinate dealing with losses.

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China has advised its citizens to avoid travelling to Japan, following a diplomatic feud sparked by comments by Tokyo's new premier about a hypothetical attack on Taiwan.

Read more on Barron's

Just take a hypothetical portfolio that each year owned the 30% of stocks with the highest dividend yields.

Read more on MarketWatch

Related Words

• debatable 
• imaginary 
• problematic 
• speculative 
• theoretical 
• vague