A2verb1K

Suppose

UK /["/səˈpəʊz/","/səˈpəʊzɪz/","/səˈpəʊzd/","/səˈpəʊzɪŋ/"]/US /["/səˈpəʊz/","/səˈpəʊzɪz/","/səˈpəʊzd/","/səˈpəʊzɪŋ/"]/

Definition

to think or believe that something is true or possible (based on the knowledge that you have)

In simple words: to think something is true, especially for planning.

Examples

  • Suppose we leave early, we might avoid traffic.
  • Let us suppose that you had all the money in the world.
  • I suppose she will join us for dinner tonight.
  • You can suppose anything, but you need to prove it.
  • If we suppose he is right, it changes everything.

Usage notes

Typically used in situations where you're making assumptions or predictions. It's less appropriate in formal writing. In casual talks, it can indicate uncertainty.

Grammar pattern

suppose + clause

Memory hint

Sounds like 'some pose' — imagine someone in a pose, thinking about possibilities.

Collocations

  • mistakenly
  • wrongly
  • commonly
  • be plausible to
  • be reasonable to
  • be absurd to
  • reason to suppose something

Synonyms

  • assume
  • presume
  • conjecture
  • hypothesize
  • postulate

Antonyms

  • disbelieve
  • doubt
  • reject

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'suppose' vs 'supposed' — don't use them interchangeably.
  • Using 'suppose' in a command form improperly.
  • Mistakenly using 'suppose' with a noun instead of a clause.