presuppose

CEFRC1

/ˌpɹiːsəˈpəʊz/

verb

Türkçe translations

Translating…

In plain English

01
verb
To accept something as true before it is proved.
02
verb
Extra detail
To assume some truth without proof, usually for the purpose of reaching a conclusion based on that truth.

Examples

We must presuppose that the wage paid is economically just.
"Nay," replied her companion, "what have I done for you to presuppose such a want of gallantry, as to imagine that I would attempt to guess a lady's secret before she thought proper to communicate it?"

At a glance

Sits at C1 on the CEFR scale

Quick test

Two questions on this entry. Nothing is scored.

Question 1 · Quick check

Practise this properly in the app, where the word comes back before you forget it.

The word in print, with each source given in full.

"Nay," replied her companion, "what have I done for you to presuppose such a want of gallantry, as to imagine that I would attempt to guess a lady's secret before she thought proper to communicate it?"
1837, L[etitia] E[lizabeth] L[andon], “Asking for an Invitation”, in Ethel Churchill: Or, The Two Brides. […], volume III, London: Henry Colburn, […], →OCLC, page 26
The Working Party's report to the Minister of Transport was published in 1949. It presupposed the demolition of Blackfriars railway bridge on planning grounds, to meet the requirements of the County of London and City of London Plans; [...]. (There were two railway bridges, one was demolished in 1985.)
1962 October, “The Victoria Line was only part of the plan”, in Modern Railways, page 258

Looking a word up is the easy part. LexUp remembers which words you have met and brings them back at the point you were about to forget them.

From Middle French presupposer, from Latin praesuppōnō.