Presuppose: meaning, definitions and examples

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presuppose

 

[ ˌpriːsəˈpoʊz ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

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.
Context #2 | Verb

everyday usage

In common language, to presuppose can simply mean to implicitly expect something to be true or to happen without direct evidence.

Synonyms

expect, imply, suggest

Examples of usage

  • He presupposed that they would agree.
  • The contract presupposes mutual consent.
  • She presupposed he would help without asking.

Translations

Translations of the word "presuppose" in other languages:

🇵🇹 presumir

🇮🇳 पूर्वधारणा करना

🇩🇪 voraussetzen

🇮🇩 mengandaikan

🇺🇦 припустити

🇵🇱 przyjmować

🇯🇵 前提とする

🇫🇷 supposer

🇪🇸 presuponer

🇹🇷 varsaymak

🇰🇷 전제하다

🇸🇦 يفترض

🇨🇿 předpokládat

🇸🇰 predpokladať

🇨🇳 假定

🇸🇮 predpostavljati

🇮🇸 forsenda

🇰🇿 алдын ала болжау

🇬🇪 წინასწარ ვარაუდი

🇦🇿 təhmin etmək

🇲🇽 presuponer

Etymology

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.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #18,944, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.