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

Astronomers posit that the most massive aging stars also might be the dustiest.

Read more on Science Daily

One of the shortcomings of the move is that it posits that women have two diametrically opposed options.

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Its narrative posits that we are in the tragic midst of a Sixth Extinction.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

He embraced a conspiracy theory positing the FBI was “irredeemably corrupt” and advocated “an absolute housecleaning.”

Read more on Salon

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

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• hypothesize 
• postulate 
• presuppose