Presuppose Meaning

/ˌpɹiːsəˈpəʊz/
C1

Definition, CEFR level C1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.

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verbTo assume some truth without proof, usually for the purpose of reaching a conclusion based on that truth.

We must presuppose that the wage paid is economically just.
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
None
CEFR Practice Quiz
The theory ____ that all students have prior knowledge of algebra, which is not always true.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The argument seemed to ____ that all participants had equal access to resources, which was not the case.

From Middle French presupposer, from Latin praesuppōnō.

""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:

Explore More C1 Vocabulary Words

CEFR Practice Quiz
The theory ____ that all students have prior knowledge of algebra, which is not always true.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The argument seemed to ____ that all participants had equal access to resources, which was not the case.

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