hypothetically

[hahy-puh-thet-i-klee]

adverb

1. according to what is assumed as a premise in an argument.

   Hypothetically, without friction or other resistance a toy car on a track could cruise along indefinitely, provided it never went higher than its starting point.

2. in a way that is theoretically possible but not proven; conjecturally; speculatively.

   Hypothetically, these nanobots would be able to traverse any type of terrain and would therefore be ideal for exploration missions on other planets.

   While hypothetically this could be the case, you appear to have no evidence to support it.

3. according to what is assumed or imagined; supposedly.

   I do legal transcription and hypothetically clean the house while my children are at school.

Other Word Forms

• unhypothetically adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of hypothetically¹

hypothetical ( def. ) + -ly

Example Sentences

Tokyo’s position is that Takaichi was talking hypothetically and articulating longstanding Japanese policy, though it was unusual for a sitting prime minister to be so explicit.

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Applied widely to a lower-income population, they could, hypothetically, foster more consumer choice.

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However, she later told the BBC: "I was speaking hypothetically following speculation that they would play Knebworth again as they did in August 1996. I understand the band have not confirmed this."

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The overconfident committee hypothetically placed skiing sports in areas with no anticipated snowfall.

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Now it’s just about taking those small steps in all those areas to, I guess, hypothetically push you over the hump.”

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Related Words

• apparently 
• doubtless 
• probably 
• seemingly 
• supposedly 
• surely