The plural is hypotheses. Hypotheses are part of the "Scientific Method" made infamous by the Science Fair. This word is often misused; you probably mean "ideas" or maybe "theories."

Hy*poth"e*sis (?), n.; pl. Hypotheses (#). [NL., fr. Gr. foundation, supposition, fr. to place under, under + to put. See Hypo-, Thesis.]

1.

A supposition; a proposition or principle which is supposed or taken for granted, in order to draw a conclusion or inference for proof of the point in question; something not proved, but assumed for the purpose of argument, or to account for a fact or an occurrence; as, the hypothesis that head winds detain an overdue steamer.

An hypothesis being a mere supposition, there are no other limits to hypotheses than those of the human imagination. J. S. Mill.

2. Natural Science

A tentative theory or supposition provisionally adopted to explain certain facts, and to guide in the investigation of others; hence, frequently called a working hypothesis.

Syn. -- Supposition; assumption. See Theory.

Nebular hypothesis. See under Nebular.

 

© Webster 1913.

Log in or register to write something here or to contact authors.