A competing or opposing hypothesis proposed to challenge or test an original theory.
From counter- (opposite) + hypothesis (from Greek 'hypotithenai,' meaning to put under or propose). Scientific method embraces counterhypotheses as part of rigorous testing.
Good scientists don't just try to prove their idea right—they actively test counterhypotheses to find the truth, and the best discoveries happen when a counterhypothesis wins!
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