presupposed; presupposing; presupposes

transitive verb

1
: to suppose beforehand
2
: to require as an antecedent in logic or fact

Examples of presuppose in a Sentence

The rule presupposes a need to restrict student access to the library. the book presupposes its readers will already know something about the subject
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
There is a misconception rampant in our culture that presupposes criticism correlates to or flows from hate. Gwen Faulkenberry, arkansasonline.com, 12 Dec. 2024 Democracy’s intersection with freedom presupposes that individuals within a republic would have a voice in how they are governed. Blake D. Morant, Forbes, 31 Oct. 2024 This presupposes that what Goode is doing can actually be called a journalistic documentary as opposed to nonfiction entertainment whose events are at least partly catalyzed by him. Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 11 Sep. 2024 Those on the right, presupposing that the movie is an anti-Trump document, have railed against it. Daniel D'addario, Variety, 19 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for presuppose 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Middle French presupposer, from Medieval Latin praesupponere (perfect indicative praesupposui), from Latin prae- + Medieval Latin supponere to suppose — more at suppose

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of presuppose was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near presuppose

Cite this Entry

“Presuppose.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/presuppose. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

presuppose

verb
: to take something to be true : suppose ahead of time
the book presupposes its readers will know something about the subject

More from Merriam-Webster on presuppose

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