hypothesis

1.an idea or explanation of sth that is based on a few known facts but that has not yet been proved to be true or correct

假设，假说

(SYN) theory

.formulate a hypothesis 提出假设

Confirm a hypothesis证实假设

.a hypothesis of the function of dreams

2. guess or idea that are not based on certain knowledge

（凭空的）猜想，猜测

(SYN)speculation

It would be pointless to engage in hypothesis before we have the facts