posit

[poz-it]

verb (used with object)

1. to place, put, or set.

2. to lay down or assume as a fact or principle; postulate.

noun

1. something that is posited; an assumption; postulate.

posit

/ ˈpɒzɪt /

verb

1. to assume or put forward as fact or the factual basis for an argument; postulate

2. to put in position

noun

1. a fact, idea, etc, that is posited; assumption

Word History and Origins

Origin of posit¹

First recorded in 1640–50; from Latin positus, past participle of pōnere “to place, put”

Word History and Origins

Origin of posit¹

C17: from Latin pōnere to place, position

Example Sentences

Stella McCartney posits in the movie that her mom’s singular style — minimal makeup, Bohemian wardrobe — influenced women musicians who followed.

From Los Angeles Times

This notion posits that large portions of the American electorate are systematically brainwashed by Fox News, the Sinclair Broadcast Group and other Republican propaganda organs.

From Salon

Victor — whose go-to area for birding is the Ramble, a large woodland area in Central Park — posited that birding is especially accessible in New York City, somewhat ironically, because of the limited green space.

From Salon

One guest posited that the cat intercepted meat deliveries to nearby restaurants, while another suggested she attended a local underground “catsquerade.”

From Los Angeles Times

He’s the picture of perfection that Superman is posited to be, which is what made the reminder of his humanity all the more shocking when he was paralyzed in a horseback riding accident in 1995.

From Salon

Related Words

• hypothesize 
• postulate 
• presuppose