Tentative vs. Hypothesis — What's the Difference?

Not fully worked out, concluded, or agreed on; provisional

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.

Indicating a lack of confidence or certainty; hesitant

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

A trial; an experiment; an attempt.

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

Of or pertaining to a trial or trials; essaying; experimental.

The antecedent of a conditional statement.

Uncertain; subject to future change.

(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.

Restrained; polite; feeling one's way, not using full force.

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

Of or pertaining to a trial or trials; essaying; experimental.

(grammar) The antecedent of a conditional statement.

An essay; a trial; an experiment.

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.

Under terms not final or fully worked out or agreed upon;

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.

Unsettled in mind or opinion;

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