Hypothetical

Hypothetical is an adjective meaning based on or serving as a hypothesis; not actual but supposed for the sake of argument or investigation. It can also function as a noun referring to a hypothetical proposition or scenario used in reasoning, such as a thought experiment.

Etymology traces hypothetical to the Greek hypothetikos, from hypo- “under” and thesis “placing,” via Latin hypotheticus. The term is closely linked to the noun hypothesis, which denotes a proposed explanation or supposition subjected to testing.

Usage and scope: In science, philosophy, and logic, hypothetical reasoning uses assumed conditions to explore consequences without asserting those conditions are real. In everyday language, a hypothetical question invites discussion of possible, but not real, situations. Common pairs include “hypothetical scenario” or “hypothetical example.” Hypothetical reasoning contrasts with empirical claims, established theories, or confirmed observations. In logic, if-then forms can be described as hypothetical propositions.

Relationship to related terms: The concept is distinct from real or actual, yet it underpins experimental design, counterfactual thinking, and theoretical modeling. It is also contrasted with speculative or theoretical terms, which may imply broader or less constrained conjecture. Although closely connected to the noun form “hypothetical,” usage is typically as an adjective describing conditions or questions used for analysis.

In popular and academic contexts, the word signals a provisional or fictional premise meant to clarify reasoning, test hypotheses, or illustrate potential outcomes without asserting their truth in the real world.