suppose

American  

[suh-pohz, suh-pohst] / səˈpoʊz, səˈpoʊst /

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.

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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!

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.

suppose British  

/ 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

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suppose More Idioms  

1. see I suppose so.

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Other Word Forms

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

Etymology

Origin of suppose

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”)

Example Sentences

So technically, I suppose the people of Zimbabwe, circa 2008, were the first trillionaires.

From Salon • Apr. 4, 2026

I suppose you could keep the plate umpires around for aesthetics, let them keep the mask and call foul tips and hit batters, but that’s lame.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 26, 2026

I suppose when you're that age, you're just trying to get in the first team, first and foremost... get in and around there and stay in there, and then: 'What's the next thing?'

From BBC • Mar. 21, 2026

So I suppose this is just advice from a fairly average high-school graduate — echoing what many financial books also say.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 19, 2026

“Why do you suppose she didn’t leave with the other embassy staff?” he asks.

From "The Bletchley Riddle" by Ruta Sepetys and Steve Sheinkin

Related Words

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