Hypothetical

/ˌhaɪ.pəˈθet.ɪ.kəl/ adjective easy

Based on an assumed or imagined situation rather than one known to be true.

The professor posed a hypothetical scenario to see how students would apply the theory to a case that didn't really exist.

Memory Trick

Hypothetical shares a root with 'hypothesis' — both describe an idea floated for the sake of argument, not yet proven true.