Supposition - English Definition & Meaning

Definition

A supposition is an idea or belief that's assumed to be true, often without concrete proof. It's like making an educated guess or forming a hypothesis before having all the facts. Suppositions are based on some evidence or reasoning, but they're not definitively confirmed. Think of it as the starting point for an argument or investigation. A supposition may turn out to be accurate, inaccurate or need some revision. It is important to distinguish a supposition from a fact. Suppositions are essential for problem-solving, brainstorming, and forming new theories.

Etymology

The word "supposition" comes from the Latin word "suppositio," which means "a putting under" or "a substitution." It's formed from "sub-" (under) and "ponere" (to put or place). This suggests the idea of placing a belief or assumption under something else, like a foundation. It entered English in the late 14th century. This original meaning highlights the idea of something being placed as a base for further thought or argument.

Related Words

Examples

• "My supposition is that the rain will stop by noon, so we can still have the picnic."
• "The detective worked on the supposition that the thief was someone familiar with the house."
• "The entire argument rested on the shaky supposition that all people are inherently good."
• "Let's proceed with the supposition that the project will be completed on time. 🤞"

Encouragement

Using suppositions allows you to think critically and explore possibilities. Don't be afraid to make assumptions, but always be ready to adjust your thinking when new information arises. 😉 Suppositions are the building blocks of creativity and problem-solving! 🚀

Learn More

📖 Learn more on Wikipedia