Meaning and Usage
The word 仮定 (jiǎdìng) means 'assumption' or 'hypothesis' and is commonly used in both everyday and academic contexts. It refers to a premise or condition accepted temporarily for the sake of argument or investigation.
Common Contexts
仮定 is often used when discussing hypothetical situations, scientific theories, or logical reasoning. For example, when planning or analyzing, people make 仮定 to explore possible outcomes.
Collocations and Patterns
- 做仮定 (make an assumption): used when proposing a hypothetical premise.
- 基于仮定 (based on an assumption): indicates that something relies on a certain premise.
- 错误的仮定 (wrong assumption): highlights that the premise is incorrect.
Usage Notes
仮定 is more formal and precise than casual words like 假想 or 猜想. It is often found in written language, scientific papers, and formal discussions. Avoid confusing it with 定 (to decide) alone; 仮定 specifically implies a provisional or hypothetical condition.