hypothetical
word
/ˌhaɪpəˈθɛtəkəɫ/
hy-puh-THE-ti-kuhl
/hˌaɪpəθˈɛtɪkəl/
hy-puh-THE-ti-kuhl
Definition
Describes something that is imagined or proposed for discussion, but is not real or proven.
Usage & Nuances
Commonly used in academic, scientific, or formal contexts, often with 'situation,' 'question,' or 'scenario.' 'Hypothetical' describes ideas not based on fact, so do not use for actual events. Can be used as a noun for imagined situations: 'a hypothetical.'
Spanish: hipotéticoPortuguese (BR): hipotéticoPortuguese (PT): hipotéticoChinese (Simplified): 假设的 - 假想的Chinese (Traditional): 假設的 - 假想的Hindi: काल्पनिकArabic: افتراضيBengali: অনুমানমূলকRussian: гипотетическийJapanese: 仮定のVietnamese: giả địnhKorean: 가설적인Turkish: varsayımsalUrdu: فرضیIndonesian: hipotetis
Example Sentences
This is a hypothetical situation.
basic
He asked a hypothetical question.
basic
Can you solve this hypothetical problem?
basic
Let's consider a hypothetical where everyone works from home.
natural
That's just a hypothetical, not a real case.
natural
If you had a million dollars—that's a hypothetical, of course—what would you do?
natural