suppose

[ suh-pohz; suh-pohst ]

verb (used with object)

, sup·posed, sup·pos·ing.

1. to assume (something) for the sake of argument, as part of a proposition or theory, a problem set to be solved as an exercise, etc.:

   If we suppose the distance to be one mile, and his jogging speed to be six miles per hour, how long will it take him to cover the distance?

   OK, let's suppose we can get through their defenses—what then?

2. to consider (something) as a suggested possibility or proposed plan:

   Suppose we wait until tomorrow, after the weather clears up.

3. to believe or presume to be true; take for granted:

   Most people supposed that his death was an accident.

   Will you go on forever supposing that you can act this way without consequences?

4. to think or hold tentatively as an opinion; guess; imagine:

   What do you suppose he will do?

   I don’t suppose they’d lend us their truck, would they?

5. to require logically; imply; presuppose:

   The evidence supposes his presence near the scene.

verb (used without object)

, sup·posed, sup·pos·ing.

1. to make assumptions or presuppositions; engage in hypothesizing or imagining:

   We must respect the ongoing investigation without supposing or speculating about the young man’s motives.

   I'm through with supposing and am going to start figuring!

suppose

/ səˈpəʊz /

verb

1. to presume (something) to be true without certain knowledge

   I suppose he meant to kill her

2. to consider as a possible suggestion for the sake of discussion, elucidation, etc; postulate

   suppose that he wins the election

3. (of theories, propositions, etc) to imply the inference or assumption (of)

   your policy supposes full employment

Derived Forms

• supˈposable, adjective
• supˈposer, noun

Other Words From

• sup·pos·a·ble adjective
• sup·pos·a·bly adverb
• sup·pos·er noun
• mis·sup·pose verb missupposed missupposing
• un·sup·pos·a·ble adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of suppose¹

First recorded in 1275–1325; Middle English supposen, from Old French supposer, from sup- sup- + poser “to place, put” ( pose ¹ ); compare Medieval Latin suppōnere “to suppose” (in Latin: “to substitute, place below”)

Word History and Origins

Origin of suppose¹

C14: from Old French supposer, from Medieval Latin suppōnere, from Latin: to substitute, from sub- + pōnere to put

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. supposed to,
   1. expected, intended, or obligated to:

      According to the agreement, the landlord is supposed to do any necessary repairs.

      It wasn’t supposed to rain today.

      Is that squiggle supposed to be your signature?

   2. (used in the negative) not allowed to; forbidden to; obligated or required not to:

      I’m sorry, I didn't realize that I wasn't supposed to record the concert.

      Mom says we’re not supposed to touch the thermostat.

   3. assumed or alleged to:

      He's supposed to look just like his father, but I don't see it.

More idioms and phrases containing suppose

see I suppose so .

Example Sentences

I just wanted Elliott to feel like he had an ally, I suppose.

From Los Angeles Times

He's generally named people he's seen on TV, which I suppose makes sense since that was his only qualification for the presidency and in his mind he's the greatest leader the world has ever known.

From Salon

If the winner’s popular vote and Electoral College margins were above the subjective Mandate Line, then we are to suppose he has the public’s blessing to do whatever he wants.

From Slate

I suppose this was my way of extracting some purpose from a personal tragedy.

From BBC

“Suppose all we knew about the western United States was what Lewis and Clark jotted in their journals.”

From Science Magazine

Related Words

• deem
• expect
• presume
• pretend
• think
• understand