hypothesis
noun [ C ]
uk/haɪˈpɒθəsɪs/ usplural hypotheses uk/haɪˈpɒθəsiːz/an idea or explanation for something that may be true but has not yet been completely proved:
hypothesis that Evidence supports their hypothesis that a long-term relationship built on trust and obligation between a buyer and a sub-contractor leads to prompt delivery and better cooperation.
See also
null hypothesis