Hypothesis vs. Prediction — What's the Difference?

A hypothesis (plural hypotheses) is a proposed explanation for a phenomenon. For a hypothesis to be a scientific hypothesis, the scientific method requires that one can test it.

A prediction (Latin præ-, "before," and dicere, "to say"), or forecast, is a statement about a future event. They are often, but not always, based upon experience or knowledge.

A tentative explanation for an observation, phenomenon, or scientific problem that can be tested by further investigation.

The act of predicting.

Something taken to be true for the purpose of argument or investigation; an assumption.

Something foretold or predicted; a prophecy.

The antecedent of a conditional statement.

A statement of what will happen in the future.

(sciences) Used loosely, a tentative conjecture explaining an observation, phenomenon or scientific problem that can be tested by further observation, investigation and/or experimentation. As a scientific term of art, see the attached quotation. Compare to theory, and quotation given there.

(statistics) A probability estimation based on statistical methods.

(general) An assumption taken to be true for the purpose of argument or investigation.

The act of foretelling; also, that which is foretold; prophecy.

(grammar) The antecedent of a conditional statement.

The act of predicting (as by reasoning about the future)

A supposition; a proposition or principle which is supposed or taken for granted, in order to draw a conclusion or inference for proof of the point in question; something not proved, but assumed for the purpose of argument, or to account for a fact or an occurrence; as, the hypothesis that head winds detain an overdue steamer.

A statement made about the future

A tentative theory or supposition provisionally adopted to explain certain facts, and to guide in the investigation of others; hence, frequently called a working hypothesis.

A proposal intended to explain certain facts or observations

A tentative theory about the natural world; a concept that is not yet verified but that if true would explain certain facts or phenomena;

A message expressing an opinion based on incomplete evidence