Definition of HYPOTHETICAL

She described a hypothetical case to clarify her point. we talked about what we would do in various hypothetical emergencies

Recent Examples on the Web

As one hypothetical valuation method, Neuringer suggests taking the Canal’s contribution to Panama’s $83 billion annual GDP—estimated by the Canal Authority in 2023 at between three and six percent, or roughly $2.5 billion to $5 billion—and multiplying it by the length of any deal. —Kyle Khan-Mullins, Forbes, 30 Jan. 2025 The scenario is far from hypothetical; there has been recent alarm in the scientific community about the potential spread of bird flu to humans. —Clare Malone, The New Yorker, 29 Jan. 2025 Sure, Danni desperately wants to continue being with Chase, but watching two people fight about a hypothetical long-distance relationship isn’t the same as going out on a high note. —Emma Soren, Vulture, 28 Jan. 2025 Take the hypothetical borrower who had a 4.25% interest rate on a $100,000 HELOC balance in March 2022. —Nerdwallet, Twin Cities, 27 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for hypothetical 

First Known Use

1588, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of hypothetical was in 1588