Definition

1. 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

1. 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
2. doubtful or suspect
   • these so-called experts are no help
3. mistakenly believed
   • the supposed existence of ghosts
4. required or under orders
   • I'm supposed to be there at ten
   • he was supposed to go to the store