Definition

1. Noun:
   • The cognitive process of supposing: The mental act of forming or entertaining an idea without conclusive proof.
   • A hypothesis that is taken for granted: A belief or theory that is accepted as true, often without proof, as a basis for reasoning or action.
   • A message expressing an opinion based on incomplete evidence: A statement or conclusion that is tentative and derived from information that is not yet complete or verified.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • His argument was based on pure supposition, not on any factual evidence.
  • The entire plan was built on the supposition that funding would be approved.
  • She presented her supposition about the cause of the problem, but admitted more data was needed.

Advanced Usage

• "On the supposition that...": Used to introduce a hypothetical condition or assumption.
  • We proceeded on the supposition that the meeting was still scheduled for noon.
• "A mere supposition": Emphasizes that an idea is only a guess, lacking solid foundation.
  • The theory of his involvement remains a mere supposition.

Variants and Related Words

• Suppose (verb): To assume something to be true for the sake of argument or as a basis for reasoning.
  • Let us suppose for a moment that your idea is correct.
• Suppositional (adjective): Relating to or based on supposition; hypothetical.
  • The model is suppositional and requires empirical testing.
• Suppositious (adjective): Hypothetical; conjectural. (Formal/Literary)
  • The narrative is built on a suppositious event.

Synonyms

• Assumption: Something accepted as true without proof.
• Presumption: A belief based on reasonable evidence or probability.
• Hypothesis: A proposed explanation made as a starting point for further investigation.
• Conjecture: An opinion or conclusion formed on the basis of incomplete information.

Related Phrases

• Working supposition: A provisional assumption used to guide an investigation or project.
  • Our working supposition is that the error lies in the software's initial configuration.
• Baseless supposition: A guess or assumption that has no supporting evidence.
  • The accusation was dismissed as a baseless supposition.

Related Idioms

• To act on a supposition: To take action based on an unproven belief.
  • It is risky to act on a supposition without verifying the facts first.

Noun

1. the cognitive process of supposing
2. a hypothesis that is taken for granted
   • any society is built upon certain assumptions
3. a message expressing an opinion based on incomplete evidence