hypothesize

verb

hy·​poth·​e·​size hī-ˈpä-thə-ˌsīz How to pronounce hypothesize (audio)
hypothesized; hypothesizing

transitive verb

: to adopt as a hypothesis

Examples of hypothesize in a Sentence

Psychologists hypothesized that his odd behavior was caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain. if we hypothesize that current population trends continue for the next 50 years
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Friedan hypothesizes that women were the victims of false values that promised personal fulfillment and identity through the husbands and children they were meant to devote their lives to. Alyssa Goldberg, USA TODAY, 13 Nov. 2024 Guttuso hypothesized that lithium could potentially alleviate long Covid symptoms because it has been recognized as a standard treatment of bipolar disorder, thanks to its several neuro-protective actions like reducing neuro-inflammation. Anuradha Varanasi, Forbes, 6 Nov. 2024 Some have hypothesized that Trump’s tariff threats are less of an eventuality and more of a negotiating tactic to push companies to invest in the U.S., not in other countries. William Gavin, Quartz, 7 Nov. 2024 Allen Institute From their findings, the researchers hypothesize that the loss of these cells may trigger a domino effect that upsets the delicate balance between inhibition and excitation, promoting widespread system failures that result in neuronal loss and cognitive decline. New Atlas, 15 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for hypothesize 

Word History

First Known Use

1738, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of hypothesize was in 1738

Dictionary Entries Near hypothesize

Cite this Entry

“Hypothesize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hypothesize. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

hypothesize

verb
hy·​poth·​e·​size hī-ˈpäth-ə-ˌsīz How to pronounce hypothesize (audio)
hypothesized; hypothesizing
1
: to make a hypothesis
2
: to adopt as a hypothesis

More from Merriam-Webster on hypothesize

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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