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The word that fits the context best is "validated." This term means that the scientist's hypothesis was confirmed or supported by the results of the thorough experimentation. In scientific research, validation typically follows a series of tests and observations that demonstrate the hypothesis's accuracy or reliability.

Choosing "validated" suggests that the experiments provided enough evidence to support the initial hypothesis, making it an integral part of the scientific process. The term conveys a positive outcome, indicating that the hypothesis holds true under scrutiny, which aligns with the typical aims of scientific experimentation.

In contrast, the other choices imply a rejection or lack of consideration of the hypothesis. For example, "discarded" would signal that it was completely rejected, whereas "ignored" and "overlooked" suggest a failure to consider the hypothesis significantly. Therefore, "validated" is the most fitting word in the context of a successful scientific inquiry.