hypothetically
word
/ˌhaɪpəˈθɛtɪkɫi/
/hˌaɪpəθˈɛtɪkli/
Definition
Used to talk about something imagined or possible, but not real or proven; it describes a situation or idea as if it might happen, but hasn’t.
Usage & Nuances
'Hypothetically' is formal and often used in academic, scientific, or careful discussion. Typically precedes a scenario or example: 'Hypothetically, if we...'. Not used for everyday, real facts. Avoid using it for things that actually happened.
Spanish: hipotéticamentePortuguese (BR): hipoteticamentePortuguese (PT): hipoteticamenteChinese (Simplified): 假设地 - 假如Chinese (Traditional): 假設地 - 假如Hindi: काल्पनिक रूप सेArabic: افتراضيًاBengali: অনুমানগতভাবেRussian: гипотетическиJapanese: 仮に - 仮説的にVietnamese: giả sử - về mặt giả thuyếtKorean: 가설적으로 - 만약에Turkish: hipotetik olarakUrdu: فرضی طور پرIndonesian: secara hipotesis - andaikan
Example Sentences
She answered the question hypothetically.
basic
Hypothetically, we could live on Mars one day.
basic
Let's speak hypothetically for a moment.
basic
Hypothetically, what would you do if you won the lottery?
natural
Even hypothetically, I can't imagine him lying.
natural
I'm speaking hypothetically—don't take it seriously.
natural