What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
assumption
Example
She made the assumption that he would be late again. [assumption: noun]
Example
We are working based on the assumption that the project will be completed on time. [assumption: noun]
hypothesis
Example
The scientist formulated a hypothesis to explain the observed phenomenon. [hypothesis: noun]
Example
Before conducting the experiment, they developed several hypotheses to test. [hypotheses: plural noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Assumption is more commonly used in everyday language, while hypothesis is more specific to scientific or research contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between assumption and hypothesis?
Both assumption and hypothesis can be used in formal and informal contexts. However, hypothesis is more commonly used in academic or scientific writing, which tends to be more formal.
