hypothesis

noun

1. 1

   a tentative insight into the natural world; a concept that is not yet verified but that if true would explain certain facts or phenomena

   a scientific hypothesis that survives experimental testing becomes a scientific theory

   he proposed a fresh theory of alkalis that later was accepted in chemical practices

2. 2

   a message expressing an opinion based on incomplete evidence

3. 3

   a proposal intended to explain certain facts or observations