🎓 Study English中文版
What does “hypothesis” mean?
a hypothesis (plural: hypotheses)
/haɪˈpɒθəsɪs/
＝ an idea or prediction that you test in a study
Essential in lab reports, school-based assessments and research projects. A hypothesis comes before the research and can be tested with data. It is not a proven fact.
In plain English
Before an experiment you make a guess: “The more light, the faster the plant grows.” A guess like this, based on what you know and possible to test, is a hypothesis.
Then you collect data. If the results match, they support the hypothesis; if not, you reject it. Both are useful findings.
Watch the plural: one hypothesis, two hypotheses (said /haɪˈpɒθəsiːz/), just like crisis and crises.
4 meanings of hypothesis
- a hypothesisan idea suggested before research, waiting to be testedResearch
Our hypothesis is that students who sleep more score higher in tests.
- hypotheses (plural)more than one hypothesisResearch
The study tested three hypotheses about online learning.
- hypothetical (adjective)imagined, not real; based on a possible situationAcademic writing
This is a hypothetical case, but it shows the problem clearly.
- hypothesise (verb)to suggest a hypothesis; to predict that something is trueAcademic writing
We hypothesised that the enzyme would work best at 37°C.
Sentence patterns
| Pattern | Example |
|---|---|
| test a hypothesis | We designed a simple survey to test the hypothesis. |
| the results support / reject the hypothesis | The results support the hypothesis that noise affects concentration. |
| the hypothesis that … | There is little evidence for the hypothesis that video games cause violence. |
| formulate / put forward a hypothesis | Before the experiment, each group must put forward a hypothesis. |
| a hypothetical question / situation | The interviewer asked a hypothetical question: "What would you do if…?" |
Real-life examples
🔬 A biology lab report
Hypothesis: As light intensity increases, the rate of photosynthesis of the pondweed will increase.
📝 School-based assessment: talking with a teacher
Mr Cheung: What is your hypothesis?
Chloe: That most students in our school use their phones for over five hours a day.
Mr Cheung: Good, it is specific. Now, how will you test it?
🎓 A university tutorial
Tutor: Your data does not support your hypothesis. Is that a problem?
Student: Not really. Rejecting a hypothesis is still a finding. I will discuss possible reasons.
Common mistakes
✗ We have two hypothesis.
✓ We have two hypotheses.
The plural is “hypotheses” (-is becomes -es), not “hypothesis” or “hypothesises”.
✗ Our hypothesis is proved, so it is now a fact.
✓ Our results support the hypothesis.
One experiment rarely proves a hypothesis. Academic writing says the results “support” it or “are consistent with” it.
✗ My hypothesis is: Does exercise improve memory?
✓ My hypothesis is that regular exercise improves memory.
A question is a research question. A hypothesis is a testable statement, usually introduced with “that”.
✗ The hypothesis was wrong, so our experiment failed.
✓ The results did not support the hypothesis.
A hypothesis that is not supported does not mean the experiment failed. Say it neutrally, then discuss why.
Before and after ✨
The conclusion of a chemistry lab report, rewritten with Dictionify’s Polish: removed words are crossed out and new words are highlighted.
Our hypothesis is correct and we proved it. The higher temperature make the reaction faster. So the hypothesis is 100% true and become a theory.
Our hypothesis is correct and we proved it. The higher temperature make results support the reaction faster. So hypothesis: the hypothesis is 100% true and become a theory. reaction was faster at higher temperatures. However, we only tested three temperatures, so further trials would be needed to confirm this pattern.
- correct and we proved it → Our results support the hypothesis: avoid “prove” and keep a careful tone.
- make → the experiment is finished, so describe results in the past tense: the reaction was faster.
- 100% true and become a theory overclaims; one school experiment does not create a theory. Stating a limitation (only three temperatures) makes the report more believable.
Similar and opposite phrases
| Phrase | Meaning | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| theory | a well-tested system of ideas that explains many things | Backed by lots of evidence, like the theory of evolution. A hypothesis is still waiting to be tested. |
| assumption | something you accept as true without testing it | You do not plan to test an assumption. You do plan to test a hypothesis. |
| prediction | a statement about what will happen | A hypothesis usually also explains a cause or a link between two things. |
| guess | an answer you give without much reason | A hypothesis is based on existing knowledge and can be tested. |
Opposite: proven fact (something shown to be true); conclusion (what you decide after the research is done)
Quick quiz
Pick an answer to check it straight away.
The plural of “hypothesis” is…
Answer: B. Words ending in -is change to -es: hypothesis becomes hypotheses.
Your results match your hypothesis. The best sentence for your report is…
Answer: A. Academic writing is careful: use “support”, not “prove”.
Which one is a hypothesis, not a research question?
Answer: C. A hypothesis is a testable statement. The first two are questions.
FAQ
What is the difference between a hypothesis and a theory?
A hypothesis is a narrow idea suggested before research and not yet tested. A theory is a system supported by lots of research that explains many things, like evolution or relativity. When people say “it’s just a theory” in daily life, they usually mean a hypothesis.
Does every study need a hypothesis?
Not always. Experiments and number-based studies such as surveys usually do. Exploratory or qualitative studies, like interviews and case studies, often use research questions instead. Check your subject’s requirements first.
Will I lose marks if my hypothesis is rejected?
Not for that reason. Markers care about sound methods and clear analysis. Write “The results did not support the hypothesis”, then discuss possible reasons and improvements. This often shows better thinking.
Hypothesise or hypothesize: which is right?
Both. “Hypothesise” is British spelling, common in Hong Kong schools and universities; “hypothesize” is American. Just stay consistent in one piece of writing.
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