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” ( see pose ¹); compare Medieval Latin suppōnere “to suppose” (in Latin: “to substitute, place below”)

Explanation

If you suppose you want to see that new horror movie, you may not be too sure. Suppose means to guess, think, or imagine something without absolute certainty. Best to hold off and watch something funny instead. Suppose also has the meaning of assuming something hypothetical for the sake of argument. You might ask, "Suppose someone breaks in while I'm away?" Suppose also has the more technical (and often legal) sense of something you must take for granted if some other condition is to happen. Your theory might suppose the victim was home by 8:00. In this last sense, suppose introduces something that's a precondition.

Example Sentences

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

From Salon • Apr. 4, 2026

But I suppose I was a quite unsentimental young man in many ways and I was always on the lookout for some material where I could a rattle the public’s cage a bit.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 26, 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

“I suppose we could just buy them a Lego set and set them up in the living room and they’d still have a Death Star at the end of it.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 15, 2026

She glanced at Christopher and said, “I suppose it’s a kind of goodbye then.”

From "Impossible Creatures" by Katherine Rundell

Related Words

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