— hypothetically , adv.
/huy'peuh thet"i keuhl/ , adj.
1. assumed by hypothesis; supposed: a hypothetical case.
2. of, pertaining to, involving, or characterized by hypothesis: hypothetical reasoning.
3. given to making hypotheses.
4. Logic.
a. (of a proposition) highly conjectural; not well supported by available evidence.
b. (of a proposition or syllogism) conditional.
n.
5. a hypothetical situation, instance, etc.: The Secretary of Defense refused to discuss hypotheticals with the reporters.
Also, hypothetic (defs. 1-4).
[ 1580-90; hypothetik ( ós ) supposed ( hypo- HYPO- + the- put (base of tithénai to put, DO 1 ) + -tikos -TIC) + -AL 1 ]
Syn. 1. suppositional, theoretical, speculative.