supposed
/sə'pouzd/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Adjective:
- Generally believed or assumed to be true, but not necessarily proven: Used to describe something that is accepted or thought to be the case, often based on opinion or incomplete evidence rather than certainty.
- Intended, expected, or required: Used to indicate what someone is meant to do or what is intended to happen, often according to a rule, plan, or agreement.
Examples of Usage
- Adjective (Believed/Assumed):
- The supposed expert gave us incorrect advice. (The person generally believed to be an expert gave us incorrect advice.)
- We visited the supposed location of the ancient city. (We visited the location that is assumed to be where the ancient city was.)
- Adjective (Intended/Required):
- You are supposed to finish your homework before watching TV. (You are expected/required to finish your homework first.)
- The train was supposed to arrive at 9:00. (The train was scheduled/intended to arrive at 9:00.)
Advanced Usage
- "Be supposed to" (Modal-like expression):
- Used to express obligation, expectation, or intention.
- Employees are supposed to wear ID badges. (There is a rule/expectation that employees wear ID badges.)
- Used to talk about something that is generally believed.
- This herb is supposed to have healing properties. (It is generally believed that this herb has healing properties.)
- "Not supposed to":
- Indicates prohibition or that something is not intended.
- You're not supposed to park here. (Parking here is not allowed.)
Variants and Related Words
- Suppose (verb): To assume or believe something to be true, often without proof.
- I suppose you are right.
- Supposition (noun): An idea or theory that is assumed to be true.
- His argument was based on a false supposition.
- Supposedly (adverb): According to what is generally assumed or believed (often implying doubt).
- He is supposedly on vacation, but I saw him in town.
Synonyms
- Alleged: Said, without proof, to have taken place or to have a specified illegal or undesirable quality.
- Presumed: Believed to be the case on reasonable grounds, though not proved.
- Putative: Generally considered or reputed to be.
- Ostensible: Stated or appearing to be true, but not necessarily so.
- Required: Officially compulsory or mandatory.
Related Phrases
- "Supposed to be": Used to describe the intended or perceived nature of something.
- This is supposed to be a quiet neighborhood. (This neighborhood is generally believed to be, or is intended to be, quiet.)
Idioms
- "The supposed-to's" (informal): Refers to societal rules, expectations, or obligations.
- I'm tired of following all the supposed-to's.
Adjective
- based primarily on surmise rather than adequate evidence
- theories about the extinction of dinosaurs are still highly conjectural
- the supposed reason for his absence
- suppositious reconstructions of dead languages
- hypothetical situation
- doubtful or suspect
- these so-called experts are no help
- mistakenly believed
- the supposed existence of ghosts
- required or under orders
- I'm supposed to be there at ten
- he was supposed to go to the store