suppose

[suh-pohz, suh-pohst]

verb (used with object)

supposed, supposing 

1. to assume (something) for the sake of argument, as part of a proposition or theory, a problem set to be solved as an exercise, etc..

   If we suppose the distance to be one mile, and his jogging speed to be six miles per hour, how long will it take him to cover the distance?

   OK, let's suppose we can get through their defenses—what then?

2. to consider (something) as a suggested possibility or proposed plan.

   Suppose we wait until tomorrow, after the weather clears up.

3. to believe or presume to be true; take for granted.

   Most people supposed that his death was an accident.

   Will you go on forever supposing that you can act this way without consequences?

4. to think or hold tentatively as an opinion; guess; imagine.

   What do you suppose he will do?

   I don’t suppose they’d lend us their truck, would they?

5. to require logically; imply; presuppose.

   The evidence supposes his presence near the scene.

verb (used without object)

supposed, supposing 

1. to make assumptions or presuppositions; engage in hypothesizing or imagining.

   We must respect the ongoing investigation without supposing or speculating about the young man’s motives.

   I'm through with supposing and am going to start figuring!

suppose

/ səˈpəʊz /

verb

1. to presume (something) to be true without certain knowledge

   I suppose he meant to kill her

2. to consider as a possible suggestion for the sake of discussion, elucidation, etc; postulate

   suppose that he wins the election

3. (of theories, propositions, etc) to imply the inference or assumption (of)

   your policy supposes full employment

Other Word Forms

• supposable adjective
• supposably adverb
• supposer noun
• missuppose verb
• unsupposable adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of suppose¹

First recorded in 1275–1325; Middle English supposen, from Old French supposer, from sup- sup- + poser “to place, put” ( pose ¹ ); compare Medieval Latin suppōnere “to suppose” (in Latin: “to substitute, place below”)

Word History and Origins

Origin of suppose¹

C14: from Old French supposer, from Medieval Latin suppōnere, from Latin: to substitute, from _sub- + pōnere to put

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. supposed to,

   1. expected, intended, or obligated to.

      According to the agreement, the landlord is supposed to do any necessary repairs.

      It wasn’t supposed to rain today.

      Is that squiggle supposed to be your signature?

   2. (used in the negative) not allowed to; forbidden to; obligated or required not to.

      I’m sorry, I didn't realize that I wasn't supposed to record the concert.

      Mom says we’re not supposed to touch the thermostat.

   3. assumed or alleged to.

      He's supposed to look just like his father, but I don't see it.

see I suppose so.

Example Sentences

Officials said the owner told deputies nobody was supposed to be living in that area, and no lights had been set up in the crawlspace.

From Los Angeles Times

There is nothing unique or radical in those requests from a government that is supposed to be of, by and for the people.

From Salon

“And for him to say what he’s saying is beyond me, because I put my hope in him and he’s supposed to protect us.”

From Salon

Trash accumulated where it was supposed to be collected for disposal.

From Los Angeles Times

I suppose it does make me different or special in a different way, but I have never seen myself like that, it's just who I am and how I think.

From BBC

Related Words

• deem 
• expect 
• presume 
• pretend 
• think 
• understand