What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
hypothesis
Example
My hypothesis is that the plant will grow faster with more sunlight. [hypothesis: noun]
Example
We hypothesized that the new drug would have fewer side effects than the old one. [hypothesized: past tense verb]
theory
Example
The theory of evolution explains how species change over time. [theory: noun]
Example
According to the theory of relativity, time and space are relative to the observer. [theory: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Theory is more commonly used than hypothesis in everyday language. Theory is a versatile term that can be used in various fields, while hypothesis is primarily used in scientific research.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between hypothesis and theory?
Both hypothesis and theory are formal terms used in academic and scientific contexts. However, theory is more established and widely accepted, making it more formal than hypothesis.
