hypothesis

英[haɪ'pɒθɪsɪs] 美[haɪ'pɑθəsɪs]

1. a proposal intended to explain certain facts or observations

2. a tentative theory about the natural world; a concept that is not yet verified but that if true would explain certain facts or phenomena;

"a scientific hypothesis that survives experimental testing becomes a scientific theory"

"he proposed a fresh theory of alkalis that later was accepted in chemical practices"

3. a message expressing an opinion based on incomplete evidence