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 Times reporter who tried to schedule an appointment at CVS for a hypothetical senior Friday night was able to find openings in California in early September.

From Los Angeles Times

"Separate from the policies, there are hundreds of examples, notes, and annotations that reflect teams grappling with different hypothetical scenarios," they said.

From BBC

Robert Warren, a demographer at the Center for Migration Studies, created hypothetical electoral maps for each census dating back to 1980 that did not count undocumented immigrants.

From Salon

Asked what would happen if Russia attacked British troops when they were in Ukraine, Healey said he would not discuss hypotheticals.

From BBC

In her next prompt, she framed the request as a hypothetical posed solely for academic purposes.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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