Supposées

Supposées is the feminine plural form of the French adjective supposé, meaning “assumed” or “presumed.” It is used to describe feminine plural nouns, often in contexts where something is considered true for the sake of argument or as an unverified claim. Common phrases include hypothèses supposées (assumed hypotheses) and personnes supposées innocentes (allegedly innocent people).

Etymology and meaning: The form derives from the verb supposer (to suppose), itself from Latin supponere. In use, supposées conveys a sense of provisional attribution or belief not established as fact, similar to the English “supposed” or “alleged.”

Grammar and usage: As an adjective, supposées typically agrees with the noun it modifies and usually appears after the noun in standard French word order. Examples: les hypothèses supposées, les personnes supposées innocentes. It can also appear in predicates as part of a passive or quasi-passive construction: ces hypothèses sont supposées être correctes (these hypotheses are supposed to be correct).

Nuance and contexts: Supposées emphasizes that the attribute is assumed or alleged rather than proven. It is common in academic writing, journalism, and legal or political discourse to qualify claims, positions, or groups as supposées, indicating a need for verification or scrutiny. It should be distinguished from présentées as facts; instead, supposées marks a provisional status.

Translations and equivalents: In English, supposées is usually rendered as “supposed,” “presumed,” or “alleged,” depending on context. In some cases, synonyms like présumées or supposées innocentes may convey similar nuance, while care is taken not to imply certainty where there is none.