presuppose
/ˌpriː.səˈpəʊz/ IELTSAcademic
verb
To suppose that something is true before you have proof. It often means an idea is already taken for granted.
- Her question presupposes that I know the answer.
- The plan presupposes good weather.
- This theory presupposes trust between both sides.
Adinary Nuance
Presuppose is close to assume, but it is more formal and often used in academic or careful writing. It suggests that one idea must already be true for another idea to make sense. Writers choose it when they want to show a hidden starting point, not just a simple guess.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- tiền giả định
- Spanish
- presuponer
- Chinese
- 预设
- Japanese
- 前提とする
- Korean
- 전제하다
Etymology
From Latin praesupponere, meaning 'to put before' or 'assume beforehand'. It entered English through French and scholarly writing.
Common phrases
presuppose thata presupposed ideathe presuppositions behind something
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is presuppose formal or informal?
- It is fairly formal. You will often see it in academic, logical, or written English.
- What is the difference between presuppose and assume?
- Assume means to accept something as true. Presuppose means something is already treated as true before discussion begins.
- Can I use presuppose in everyday speech?
- You can, but it may sound formal. In conversation, people often say assume instead.