Hypothesise vs. Hypothesize — What's the Difference?

Hypothesise and hypothesize are variants of the same verb, which means to form a supposition or proposed explanation on the basis of limited evidence as a starting point for further investigation. The primary difference lies in their spelling and usage in different forms of English. Hypothesise is the spelling preferred in British English, reflecting the broader British preference for "-ise" endings in verbs. On the other hand, hypothesize is favored in American English, consistent with the American English pattern of using "-ize" endings.

Both terms are used in academic and scientific contexts to describe the process of beginning an investigation with a tentative explanation or theory that needs to be tested. For instance, a researcher might hypothesise or hypothesize about the cause of a natural phenomenon before conducting experiments to gather evidence. Despite the difference in spelling, the process they describe is identical, involving forming and then testing a hypothesis through research and experimentation.

The choice between hypothesise and hypothesize does not affect the meaning of the word or the validity of the scientific method being described. Instead, it signals the writer's adherence to either British or American spelling conventions. This distinction is crucial for academic writing and publication, where consistency with either British or American English standards is often required.

In educational settings, students might be taught to use one spelling over the other based on the national curriculum or the institution's preference. However, the core principles of hypothesising or hypothesizing, such as the need for a testable prediction and empirical investigation, remain the same regardless of spelling.

The variation in spelling between hypothesise and hypothesize highlights the broader differences between British and American English, not just in vocabulary but also in orthography. While these differences can be a source of confusion, they are also a reflection of the rich diversity and evolution of the English language across different regions.