hypothesis

As nouns the difference between inference and hypothesis

is that inference is the act or process of inferring by deduction or induction while hypothesis is used loosely, a tentative conjecture explaining an observation, phenomenon or scientific problem that can be tested by further observation, investigation and/or experimentation. As a scientific term of art, see the attached quotation. Compare to theory, and quotation given there.

As a noun hypothesis

is (sciences) used loosely, a tentative conjecture explaining an observation, phenomenon or scientific problem that can be tested by further observation, investigation and/or experimentation as a scientific term of art, see the attached quotation compare to theory, and quotation given there.

As a verb speculate is

to think, meditate or reflect on a subject; to consider, to deliberate or cogitate.

As nouns the difference between hypothesis and hypo

is that hypothesis is (sciences) used loosely, a tentative conjecture explaining an observation, phenomenon or scientific problem that can be tested by further observation, investigation and/or experimentation as a scientific term of art, see the attached quotation compare to theory, and quotation given there while hypo is (obsolete) melancholy; a fit of ‘hypochondria’; a morbid depression (obsolete by 1881 according to eric partridge.

Hypothesis is a related term of conviction.

As nouns the difference between hypothesis and conviction

is that hypothesis is (sciences) used loosely, a tentative conjecture explaining an observation, phenomenon or scientific problem that can be tested by further observation, investigation and/or experimentation as a scientific term of art, see the attached quotation compare to theory, and quotation given there while conviction is (countable) a firmly held belief.

Hypothesis is a related term of belief.

As nouns the difference between hypothesis and belief

is that hypothesis is (sciences) used loosely, a tentative conjecture explaining an observation, phenomenon or scientific problem that can be tested by further observation, investigation and/or experimentation as a scientific term of art, see the attached quotation compare to theory, and quotation given there while belief is mental acceptance of a claim as likely true.

As nouns the difference between postulation and hypothesis

is that postulation is the act of postulating or something postulated while hypothesis is used loosely, a tentative conjecture explaining an observation, phenomenon or scientific problem that can be tested by further observation, investigation and/or experimentation. As a scientific term of art, see the attached quotation. Compare to theory, and quotation given there.

As nouns the difference between idea and hypothesis

is that idea is an abstract archetype of a given thing, compared to which real-life examples are seen as imperfect approximations; pure essence, as opposed to actual examples while hypothesis is used loosely, a tentative conjecture explaining an observation, phenomenon or scientific problem that can be tested by further observation, investigation and/or experimentation. As a scientific term of art, see the attached quotation. Compare to theory, and quotation given there.

As nouns the difference between opinion and hypothesis

is that opinion is a belief that a person has formed about a topic or issue while hypothesis is used loosely, a tentative conjecture explaining an observation, phenomenon or scientific problem that can be tested by further observation, investigation and/or experimentation. As a scientific term of art, see the attached quotation. Compare to theory, and quotation given there.

As a verb opinion

is to have or express as an opinion.

As nouns the difference between deduction and hypothesis

is that deduction is that which is deducted; that which is subtracted or removed while hypothesis is used loosely, a tentative conjecture explaining an observation, phenomenon or scientific problem that can be tested by further observation, investigation and/or experimentation. As a scientific term of art, see the attached quotation. Compare to theory, and quotation given there.