Presuppose Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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presuppose
[หpriหsษหpoสz ]
Definitions
philosophical usage
To presuppose means to assume that something is true or exists before it is proven or established. It involves taking certain conditions as given in the context of an argument or a discussion.
Synonyms
assume, postulate, presume, take for granted.
Examples of usage
- The theory presupposes a certain level of understanding.
- Her arguments presuppose knowledge that the audience may not have.
- In logic, a valid argument presupposes true premises.
everyday usage
In common language, to presuppose can simply mean to implicitly expect something to be true or to happen without direct evidence.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- He presupposed that they would agree.
- The contract presupposes mutual consent.
- She presupposed he would help without asking.
Translations
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Origin of 'presuppose'
The word 'presuppose' originates from the Latin prefix 'pre-', meaning 'before', and 'supponere', which means 'to put under' or 'to assume'. It entered the English language in the mid-19th century, reflecting its use in philosophical and logical discourse. The evolution of the term captures the shift from a straightforward assumption to a more nuanced understanding of underlying assumptions in arguments and discussions. Over time, 'presuppose' has become a critical term in fields such as epistemology, logic, and linguistics, where it is essential for examining the foundations of knowledge and belief systems.