supposition

noun

sup·​po·​si·​tion ˌsə-pə-ˈzi-shən 

1

: something that is supposed : hypothesis

2

: the act of supposing

suppositional

ˌsə-pə-ˈzi-sh(ə-)nəl 

adjective

Synonyms

• hypothesis
• proposition
• theory
• thesis

Examples of supposition in a Sentence

a supposition that proved correct

This is just idle supposition.

Recent Examples on the Web

Some scholars – even those who have been advocates of strong measures to compel CO2 emissions reductions – suggest that today’s climate activism suffers from a legacy of anti-capitalist suppositions about who is most responsible for warming temperatures. —Dan Ikenson, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024

Others were being medicated indefinitely on mere suppositions of mental illness. —Christopher Damien, Los Angeles Times, 1 Nov. 2024

Many of the suppositions used to take Chung’s money were unreasonable. —Andrew Wimer, Forbes, 18 Oct. 2024

Besides, the reflexive and facile supposition that media coverage drove this tragic event grinds against evidence that Americans have been increasingly tuning out the news, especially coverage of politics. —Erik Wemple, Washington Post, 19 July 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English supposicioun, from Anglo-French supposicion, from Late Latin supposition-, suppositio, from Latin, act of placing beneath, from supponere

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing supposition

• on the supposition that

Kids Definition

supposition

noun

sup·​po·​si·​tion ˌsəp-ə-ˈzish-ən 

1

: something that is supposed

2

: the act of supposing

suppositional

-ˈzish-nəl 

-ən-ᵊl

adjective