Vocabulary question: “Choose the synonym of the word Hypothesis from the following options.”

Introduction / Context:
This is a direct vocabulary question asking for a synonym of the word “hypothesis”. Synonym questions test your understanding of academic and everyday English, and words like hypothesis often appear in science, research, and reasoning contexts. Knowing the exact meaning of such words helps in reading comprehension, scientific writing, and logical reasoning sections of exams.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Target word: Hypothesis. • Options: theory, fascination, complexity, falling. • We assume standard dictionary meaning of hypothesis in scientific and logical contexts. • The task is to choose the word closest in meaning to hypothesis, not simply a related or familiar term.

Concept / Approach:
A hypothesis is a tentative explanation or proposition that can be tested by observation or experiment. It is an educated guess or assumption that researchers make before gathering evidence. In many contexts, especially informal exam usage, theory is used as the nearest synonym, since a scientific theory is a well supported explanation that may have started as a hypothesis. The other options do not share this meaning. Fascination is about strong interest, complexity is about difficulty or many parts, and falling is a physical action, none of which parallel hypothesis.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Define hypothesis. A hypothesis is a proposed explanation for a phenomenon that can be confirmed or rejected through testing. It is a starting point for investigation. Step 2: Compare with theory. A theory is an explanation of some aspect of the natural or social world, based on a body of evidence. While theory is usually more established than a hypothesis, in general English they are often grouped together as explanatory ideas. Step 3: Evaluate each option. Theory: An explanatory framework or idea, which is conceptually close to a hypothesis as an explanation or claim. Fascination: Strong interest or attraction to something; emotionally focused, not explanatory. Complexity: The state of being complicated or having many interconnected parts; unrelated to proposing explanations. Falling: The act of dropping downward, a physical action with no conceptual similarity to hypothesis. Step 4: Therefore, theory is the only option that functions as a synonym or near synonym of hypothesis in exam level vocabulary.

Verification / Alternative check:
We can test by substitution in a sentence. For example, “The scientist tested her hypothesis” can be roughly restated as “The scientist tested her theory” in casual use, even if scientific writing distinguishes them. However, substituting fascination, complexity, or falling makes the sentence meaningless. This shows that theory aligns with the intended explanatory meaning, while the other options do not.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
• Fascination: Refers to being extremely interested in something, not to putting forward an idea for testing. • Complexity: Describes the level of difficulty or the presence of many interconnected elements; it is an attribute, not an explanatory statement. • Falling: A literal physical action that has no connection to logical or scientific explanation.

Common Pitfalls:
Some candidates see theory and remember that in strict science, a hypothesis is not exactly the same as a theory. They may hesitate for that reason. However, exam synonym questions are often based on general English rather than the strict hierarchy used in research methodology. In that general sense, theory is the closest synonym offered, and precision beyond that level is not expected here.

Final Answer:
The correct synonym of “hypothesis” in this context is Theory.