[RascalPuff]

Hypothesis & Theory
Webster’s (abbreviated)

Hypothesis:
1. A supposition; a preposition 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.

2. A system or theory imagined or assumed to account for what is not understood.
_____________________

Theory:
1. Originally a mental viewing; contemplation.

2. An idea or mental plan of the way to do something.

3. A systematic statement of principles involved; as the theory of equations in mathematics.

4. A formulation of apparent relationships or underlying principles of certain observed phenomena which has been verified to some degree; distinguished from hypothesis.

5. That branch of an art or science consisting of a knowledge of its principles and methods rather than in its practice.; pure as opposed to applied science; etc.

6. Popularly, a mere hypothesis, conjecture or guess; as, ‘my theory is that he never got the letter.’
______________________

Regards,
- RP