Suppose

Suppose is a verb in English with several related uses centered on considering something as true for the sake of argument, making an educated guess, or introducing a hypothetical scenario. The core sense is to think that something might be the case, often without claiming certainty. It is also common to use suppose to introduce a conditional or hypothetical situation: “Suppose we took a different route.” In everyday speech, it can appear in its imperative form to invite someone to entertain a scenario, as in “Suppose we start over.”

Suppose can take a that-clause or a bare clause after it: “I suppose that he will arrive soon,” or “Suppose we win the contract.” The phrase “Suppose …” is frequently used in hypothetical or reasoning contexts, such as logic, philosophy, or problem-solving. In informal speech, it is also used as a hedge, as in “I suppose you’re right,” signaling tentative agreement or softening a claim.

The word is often contrasted with assume and presume. Suppose conveys tentative belief or hypothetical consideration, whereas assume implies accepting something as true for the sake of argument or action, and presume implies accepting something as true based on reasonable evidence or authority.

Etymology and forms: suppose comes from Latin suppositus, the past participle of supponere, meaning to place under. It entered English via Old French supposer. Related forms include supposition (the noun form), supposing (present participle), and supposed (past participle).

Usage notes: suppose can express probability without commitment, introduce hypothetical scenarios, or function as a polite hedge in opinion. In formal writing, it often appears with “that” (Suppose that X) or as part of a longer hypothetical construction, while in everyday speech it is common to omit “that” after the verb.