DictionaryAI

suppose

verb
Saysuh-POHZ/səˈpoʊz/UK/səˈpəʊz/

Formssupposes, supposing, supposed

5 meanings of suppose

Practice

  1. 1
    take for grantedverbtransitive or intransitive
    To think something is probably true, even though you do not know for sure.

    Like guessing the answer when you only have a few clues.

    I suppose the rain will stop soon.

    We will win this game, I suppose.

    UsageSay I suppose so to agree a little; I don't suppose you could… asks politely.

    Similarassume

  2. 2
    for argument's sakeverbtransitive
    To treat an idea as true for the sake of thinking about what would follow from it.

    Like asking 'what if?' to test an idea before you trust it.

    If we suppose the earth is flat, how do ships vanish over the horizon?

    Let's suppose a number doubles every single day.

    UsageOften begins a sentence: Suppose… or Let's suppose….

    Similarhypothesize, posit, postulate, imagine

    Note
  3. 3
    verbtransitive
    To require something else to exist or be true.

    Like a roof that needs walls under it to hold it up.

    Good manners suppose some respect for other people.

    Every effect supposes a cause.

    Similarimply, require, entail, presuppose

    Note

Less common meanings

  1. 4
    verbobsoletetransitive
    To count or judge someone or something to be of a certain kind or worth.
    [He] keeps you from the honors of a Queene, Being ſuppoſde his worthleſſe Concubine.
    c. 1587, [Christopher Marlowe], Tamburlaine the Great. The First PartHere, suppos'd means thought of or regarded as something.
  2. 5
    verbobsoletetransitive
    To replace someone or something with another person or thing in order to deceive.
    Note

Practice

Can you tell the meanings of suppose apart? Answer 4 quick questions from this page, or write your own sentence and AI will check it.

Origin

From Old French supposer, made from sub- meaning 'under' and poser meaning 'to place'. It matches the Latin verb supponere, 'to put under'.

Checked 7 Nov 2026 · 3 facts

  • English suppose comes from Old French supposer, through Middle English. en.wiktionary.org
  • Supposer combines sub-, meaning 'under', and poser, meaning 'to place'. en.wiktionary.org
  • Supposer corresponds in meaning to Latin supponere, meaning 'to put under'. en.wiktionary.org