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

“So we were about to be filming a moment. And she didn’t know that she was supposed to start. I told her, ‘They don’t say “action.”

From Los Angeles Times

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

From BBC

Court filings show some jurors emailed Olmedo earlier this year saying they were “concerned” and believed Masterson’s lawyers weren’t supposed to know where they lived or worked.

From Los Angeles Times

What’s a high school basketball team supposed to do when a week before its season begins, the starting point guard and a former player are found shot to death?

From Los Angeles Times

Teachers were supposed to have special training, as any special-ed teacher would, but it seemed hit-or-miss.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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