Hypothetic, Hypothetical, a.
Etymology: [L. hypotheticus, Gr. hypothétique.]
Characterized by, or of the nature of, an hypothesis; conditional; assumed without proof, for the purpose of reasoning and deducing proof, or of accounting for some fact or phenomenon. Causes hypothetical at least, if not real, for the various phenomena of the existence of which our experience informs us. Sir W. Hamilton. Hypothetical baptism (Ch. of Eng.), baptism administered to persons in respect to whom it is doubtful whether they have or have not been baptized before. Hook. -- Hy`po*thet"ic*al*ly, adv. South.
Shades of meaning
Fernald lists hypothetical only as an antonym, under real.
He lists it without comment; the entries above explain its neighbors.
Synonyms
none given