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

Consider the performance of a hypothetical portfolio that buys the 10% of stocks with the highest betas and sells short the decile of stocks with the lowest betas.

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Take a hypothetical stock and a 2x daily leveraged ETF that tracks it, for example.

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The United Nations Command, which oversees security and tours for the area, declined to comment on "hypothetical scenarios".

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It is more of a political and cultural wargame set within the safer realm of the hypothetical.

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In a hypothetical scenario, Sarah, 32, John, 44, and Jane, 56, have all received the same depression diagnosis and have been recommended antidepressants.

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Related Words

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