Difficulty: Easy
Correct Answer: Hypothesis
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
One word substitution questions test your ability to match precise English terms with their definitions. The description given here is a common concept in science, logic, and mathematics, and a correct understanding helps in many academic disciplines as well as in competitive exams.
Given Data / Assumptions:
- Description: Proposition made as a basis for reasoning without the assumption of its truth.
- Options: Hypertext, Hypocrisy, Hyperbole, Hypothesis.
- The term is used in logical and scientific contexts.
Concept / Approach:
A hypothesis is a tentative explanation or proposition that is proposed for further investigation and testing. It is not assumed to be true at the start, but used as a starting point for reasoning, experiments, or proofs. The other options refer to very different ideas: hypertext in computing, hypocrisy in behaviour, and hyperbole in language. Recognising the correct field and meaning is the key to answering this question.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall the definition of hypothesis from science: a proposed explanation based on limited evidence, used as a starting point for investigation.
Step 2: Match this with the wording proposition made as a basis for reasoning without the assumption of its truth.
Step 3: Examine hypertext. This relates to linked text in computing and web pages, not reasoning or propositions.
Step 4: Examine hypocrisy. This describes pretending to have virtues, beliefs, or principles that one does not actually hold.
Step 5: Examine hyperbole. This means deliberate exaggeration used for emphasis or effect in language.
Step 6: None of these match the idea of a tentative proposition used for reasoning.
Step 7: Therefore, hypothesis is the only option that fits exactly.
Verification / Alternative check:
Consider an example from science: Researchers formed a hypothesis that the new drug would reduce blood pressure. At this stage, the statement is not known to be true, but it provides a basis for experiments and analysis. This matches the description of a proposition used for reasoning without assuming its truth. Hypertext, hypocrisy, and hyperbole do not function in this way in any field.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Hypertext refers to text displayed on a computer or device that contains links to other texts.
Hypocrisy refers to claiming to have moral standards or beliefs to which one s behaviour does not conform.
Hyperbole refers to exaggerated statements or claims not meant to be taken literally.
Common Pitfalls:
The similar spelling patterns hyper and hypo can confuse learners, and they may pick hyperbole or hypocrisy simply because the words look familiar. To avoid this, focus on the precise definition in the question and recall typical usage. Words beginning with hypo often indicate under or below, as in hypothesis, hypodermic, or hypothermia, while hyper often suggests over or above, as in hyperactive or hyperbole.
Final Answer:
The correct one word substitution is Hypothesis.
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