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Where does the word "hypothesis" come from? It comes from Greek hypothesis, and was adopted directly into English (1500s).
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Where does the word "hypothesis" come from? It comes from Greek hypothesis, and was adopted directly into English (1500s).
Hypothesis’s story begins in Greek: hypothesis meant “a foundation, supposition.” Literally a placing under, a foundation or supposition. It reached English by 1500s as hypothesis. Greek 'placing under', a foundation for an argument. Today, hypothesis means a proposed explanation made as a starting point for further testing.
- Stage 1 · Greek · ancient hypothesis "a foundation, supposition", literally a placing under, a foundation or supposition.
- Stage 2 · English · 1500s hypothesis "a proposed explanation to be tested", Greek 'placing under', a foundation for an argument.