presuppose

[ pree-suh-pohz ]

verb (used with object)

, pre·sup·posed, pre·sup·pos·ing.

1. to suppose or assume beforehand; take for granted in advance.

   Synonyms: presume

2. (of a thing, condition, or state of affairs) to require or imply as an antecedent condition:

   An effect presupposes a cause.

presuppose

/ ˌpriːsəˈpəʊz; ˌpriːsʌpəˈzɪʃən /

verb

1. to take for granted; assume
2. to require or imply as a necessary prior condition
3. philosophy logic linguistics to require (a condition) to be satisfied as a precondition for a statement to be either true or false or for a speech act to be felicitous. Have you stopped beating your wife? presupposes that the person addressed has a wife and has beaten her

Derived Forms

• presupposition, noun

Other Words From

• pre·sup·po·si·tion [pree-suhp-, uh, -, zish, -, uh, n], noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of presuppose¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English, from Middle French presupposer; pre-, suppose

Example Sentences

It is presupposed that Trump, no matter what, will become the nominee.

From Salon

It’s a debate that presupposes a fixity, using language long-weaponized by conservative and far-right voices, that many are now challenging and rejecting.

From Los Angeles Times

But it also presupposes a grim reality: that some civilian deaths might be proportional.

From New York Times

But for many of us, a final resting place presupposes that one has had a final living place.

From Salon

"Today's announcement does not presuppose or any way suggest the outcome of the investigations into the tragic incident," he said in a statement.

From Reuters

Related Words

• infer
• posit