suppose

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   to believe especially on uncertain or tentative grounds

   Scientists supposed that large dinosaurs lived in swamps

2. 2
   verb

   require as a necessary antecedent or precondition

   This step presupposes two prior ones

3. 3
   verb

   take for granted or as a given

   suppose beforehand

4. 4
   verb

   To take for granted; to conclude, with less than absolute supporting data; to believe.

   I suppose we all agree that this is the best solution.

5. 5
   verb

   To theorize or hypothesize.

   Suppose that A implies B and B implies C. Then A implies C.

6. 6
   verb

   To imagine; to believe; to receive as true.

   How easy is a bush supposed a bear!

7. 7
   verb

   To reckon to be, to account or esteem as.

   [He] keeps you from the honors of a Queene, Being ſuppoſde his worthleſſe Concubine.

8. 8
   verb

   To require to exist or to be true; to imply by the laws of thought or of nature.

   Purpose supposes foresight.

Etymology

From Middle English supposen, borrowed from Old French supposer, equivalent to prefix sub- (“under”) + poser (“to place”); corresponding in meaning to Latin supponere (“to put under, to substitute, falsify, counterfeit”), suppositum. See pose.