Compare a hypothesis with a theory?

A hypothesis is a tentative explanation or prediction that can be tested through experimentation and observation, often framed as an "if-then" statement. In contrast, a theory is a well-substantiated explanation of an aspect of the natural world that has been repeatedly tested and confirmed through observation and experimentation. While a hypothesis serves as a starting point for scientific inquiry, a theory provides a comprehensive framework for understanding complex phenomena. Thus, theories are broader and more established than hypotheses, which are more specific and preliminary.