Question

hypothecate verb "Hypothecate" is a controversial word. It has existed as a synonym of "hypothesize" since 1906, showing up primarily in scientific and linguistic sources, but usage commentators have long criticized it. It is sometimes perceived as a mistaken use of another "hypothecate," one meaning "to pledge as security without title or possession." Both "hypothecate" homographs-and "hypothesize" too-derive ultimately from the Greek "hypotithenai" ("to put under," "to suppose," or "to deposit as a pledge"), but each entered English by a different route. The hypothesizing "hypothecate" is a legitimate (albeit uncommon) word in its own right, not a misuse of its homograph. If you want to avoid the controversy altogether, however, you can stick with the more common "hypothesize." : to make an assumption for the sake of argument : hypothesize

Accepted Answer

September 25, 2012 hye-PAH-thuh-kayt The students hypothecated that plants under observation would have different reactions when exposed to artificial light versus natural light.   "'Can someone hypothecate where Scotland and Yorkshire would rank in the medal table?' says Marie Meyer." - From the (London) Guardian's Olympics 2012 live blog, August 5, 2012

Word	hypothecate
Date	September 25, 2012
Type	verb
Syllables	hye-PAH-thuh-kayt
Etymology	"Hypothecate" is a controversial word. It has existed as a synonym of "hypothesize" since 1906, showing up primarily in scientific and linguistic sources, but usage commentators have long criticized it. It is sometimes perceived as a mistaken use of another "hypothecate," one meaning "to pledge as security without title or possession." Both "hypothecate" homographs-and "hypothesize" too-derive ultimately from the Greek "hypotithenai" ("to put under," "to suppose," or "to deposit as a pledge"), but each entered English by a different route. The hypothesizing "hypothecate" is a legitimate (albeit uncommon) word in its own right, not a misuse of its homograph. If you want to avoid the controversy altogether, however, you can stick with the more common "hypothesize."
Examples	The students hypothecated that plants under observation would have different reactions when exposed to artificial light versus natural light. "'Can someone hypothecate where Scotland and Yorkshire would rank in the medal table?' says Marie Meyer." - From the (London) Guardian's Olympics 2012 live blog, August 5, 2012
Definition	: to make an assumption for the sake of argument : hypothesize

Hypothecate Hypothesize September Verb Hye Pah Thuh Kayt Controversial Word Existed