suppose

Forms

present (v1): suppose
past (v2): supposed
past participle (v3): supposed
present participle: supposing
3rd person singular: supposes

Definitions

1.To take for granted; to conclude, with less than absolute supporting data; to believe.
- I won't be back before midday, I don't suppose.
- I don't suppose you could lend me a euro, could you?
- I suppose we all agree that this is the best solution.
2.To theorize or hypothesize.
- Suppose that A implies B and B implies C. Then A implies C.
3.To imagine; to believe; to receive as true.
- How easy is a bush supposed a bear!
- Let not my lord suppose that they have slain all the young men, the king's sons; for Amnon only is dead.
4.To require to exist or to be true; to imply by the laws of thought or of nature.
- One falsehood always supposes another, and renders all you can say suspected.

Frequency

Overall

Common· #1945

By learning goal

Everyday conversation: Uncommon
General reading & writing: Common
Academic: Rare
Literature: Uncommon

Related words

Synonyms

say

Word family

Etymology

From Middle English supposen, borrowed from Old French supposer, equivalent to prefix sub- (“under”) + poser (“to place”); corresponding in meaning to Latin supponere (“to put under, to substitute, falsify, counterfeit”), suppositum.

See pose.