suppose

/sə'pouz/

Definition

Verb (Transitive):
- To assume something is true for the sake of argument or as a basis for reasoning: To accept something as true or existing, often temporarily, to explore a possibility or consequence.
- To believe or think something is probable or true: To hold an opinion or belief, often based on incomplete evidence or as a tentative conclusion.
- To require as a necessary condition; to presuppose: To involve something as a logical prior condition or prerequisite.

Usage and Examples

To assume for argument:
- Suppose we win the lottery. What would you do first?
- Let's suppose, for a moment, that his theory is correct.
To believe or think:
- I suppose she will be late, as usual.
- "Is he coming?" "I suppose so."
To require as a precondition:
- A healthy democracy supposes an informed citizenry.
- This plan supposes a level of cooperation we may not have.

Advanced Usage

"To be supposed to": Used to indicate what is expected, intended, or required according to a rule, duty, or general belief.
- You are supposed to wear a seatbelt. (It is the rule/expectation.)
- The movie was supposed to start at 8 PM. (It was intended/scheduled to.)
"I suppose" / "I don't suppose": Common phrases used to express a hesitant opinion, polite doubt, or to make a tentative suggestion.
- I suppose you're right. (I reluctantly agree.)
- I don't suppose you could help me? (A polite way to ask for help.)

Variants and Related Words

Supposition (n): An idea or theory that is assumed to be true.
- His argument is based on a false supposition.
Supposedly (adv): According to what is generally assumed or believed (often implying doubt).
- He is supposedly an expert, but I have my doubts.
Presuppose (v): To require as a preceding condition; to assume beforehand.
- This criticism presupposes a deep understanding of the text.

Synonyms

Phrasal Verbs / Common Constructions

Suppose that...: A common construction to introduce a hypothetical scenario.
- Suppose that aliens landed tomorrow. What would happen?
Be supposed to do something: As explained in 'Advanced Usage'.

Idioms and Common Phrases

I suppose so/not: Used to give a hesitant or unenthusiastic agreement or disagreement.
- "Are you ready to go?" "I suppose so."
Don't suppose...: Used to make a very polite or indirect request.
- I don't suppose I could borrow your pen?

Verb

require as a necessary antecedent or precondition
- This step presupposes two prior ones
take for granted or as a given; suppose beforehand
- I presuppose that you have done your work
to believe especially on uncertain or tentative grounds
- Scientists supposed that large dinosaurs lived in swamps
expect, believe, or suppose
- I imagine she earned a lot of money with her new novel
- I thought to find her in a bad state
- he didn't think to find her in the kitchen
- I guess she is angry at me for standing her up
express a supposition
- Let us say that he did not tell the truth
- Let's say you had a lot of money--what would you do?

Khám phá thêm

Các từ liên quan

Từ đồng nghĩa

Từ gần giống

Từ chứa "suppose"

Từ có nhắc đến "suppose"