'hypothetical' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'hypothetikos,' where 'hypo-' meant 'under' and 'tithenai' meant 'to place.'

'hypothetikos' transformed into the Latin word 'hypotheticus,' and eventually became the modern English word 'hypothetical' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'based on a supposition,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.