posit

American  

[poz-it] / ˈpɒz ɪt /

verb (used with object)

1. to place, put, or set.

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

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noun

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

posit British  

/ ˈpɒzɪt /

verb

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

2. to put in position

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noun

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

Etymology

Origin of posit

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

Example Sentences

It has been so closely scrutinized that film workers have posited their own theories.

From The Wall Street Journal

Traders also may be selling what they can to cover losses in other markets, a number of observers posited.

From Barron's

Perhaps, somebody posited, he took a day trip to Liverpool and got stranded on the wrong side of the Mersey?

From BBC

He posited that opera’s magic lies in its inherent ambiguity and its true power is rebirth.

From The Wall Street Journal

"It's not for me to posit whether it's the beginning, the middle or the end. That's his," said the former Fox News host.

From Barron's

Related Words

• hypothesize
• postulate
• presuppose