Meaning
假设 means to propose something as true for the sake of argument or analysis, without necessarily having proof. As a noun, it refers to a hypothesis or assumption made in reasoning. It's commonly used in academic, scientific, and logical contexts, as well as in everyday speech when presenting hypothetical scenarios.
Usage
When used as a conjunction meaning 'suppose that' or 'if', 假设 typically appears at the beginning of a sentence to introduce a hypothetical condition. In academic writing, it frequently refers to research hypotheses. Native speakers often use it interchangeably with 如果 in casual speech, though 假设 carries a slightly more formal or analytical tone.
Examples
- 01假设你中了彩票，你会做什么？, ?Suppose you won the lottery, what would you do?
- 02这个理论是建立在错误的假设之上的。.This theory is built on a false assumption.
Characters
Measure words
- 个一个假设
Common collocations
- 假设条件hypothetical condition
- 提出假设to propose a hypothesis
- 假设检验hypothesis testing
- 基本假设basic assumption
Antonyms
Origin
The word combines 假 (false/temporary) and 设 (to set up), literally meaning 'to set up something false/temporary'—i.e., to propose something provisionally for the purpose of reasoning or testing.