Hypothesis vs. Rationale

Hypothesisnoun

(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.

Hypothesisnoun

(general) An assumption taken to be true for the purpose of argument or investigation.

Hypothesisnoun

(grammar) The antecedent of a conditional statement.

Hypothesisnoun

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.

Hypothesisnoun

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.

Hypothesisnoun

a proposal intended to explain certain facts or observations

Hypothesisnoun

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

Hypothesisnoun

a message expressing an opinion based on incomplete evidence

Hypothesis

A hypothesis (plural hypotheses) is a proposed explanation for a phenomenon. For a hypothesis to be a scientific hypothesis, the scientific method requires that one can test it.

Rationalenoun

An explanation of the basis or fundamental reasons for something.

Rationalenoun

A justification or rationalization for something.

Rationalenoun

An explanation or exposition of the principles of some opinion, action, hypothesis, phenomenon, or the like; also, the principles themselves.

Rationalenoun

(law) an explanation of the fundamental reasons (especially an explanation of the working of some device in terms of laws of nature);