Hypothetical

Based on or involving a hypothesis; assumed or supposed but not necessarily real or true. A hypothetical situation is one that is imagined for the purpose of discussion or experimentation, often to explore potential consequences or test the validity of a theory. It deals with 'what if' scenarios, existing purely in the realm of possibility and requiring further investigation or evidence to be confirmed as factual. It contrasts with situations grounded in established fact or proven reality.

Hypothetical meaning with examples

• Let's consider a hypothetical situation: If interest rates were to suddenly increase, how would it affect the housing market?
• The scientist created a hypothetical model of the atom to better understand its structure, although it needed to be validated.
• In a hypothetical scenario where all fossil fuels were depleted, we would need to rely heavily on renewable energy sources.
• The lawyer presented a hypothetical case to the jury to illustrate how circumstantial evidence can be misinterpreted, and cause harm.