What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
hypothetical
Example
If I were a millionaire, I would travel the world. [hypothetical: adjective]
Example
The scientist proposed a hypothetical explanation for the phenomenon. [hypothetical: noun]
speculative
Example
The journalist wrote a speculative article about the possible outcome of the election. [speculative: adjective]
Example
The stock market is often driven by speculative investments. [speculative: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Speculative is more commonly used than hypothetical in everyday language, especially in discussions of finance or business. Hypothetical is more commonly used in academic or scientific contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between hypothetical and speculative?
Both hypothetical and speculative can be used in formal or informal contexts, but hypothetical is more commonly used in academic or scientific writing, which tends to be more formal in tone.
