Suppositional: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when referring to something based on assumptions rather than hard evidence.

• The theory remains suppositional until we have more data.
• His account of the event is largely suppositional.

Used when discussing scenarios or possibilities that are not real but imagined for the sake of discussion or examination.

• In a hypothetical situation where robots take over the world, how should we prepare?
• The lawyer presented a hypothetical case to illustrate his point.

Used when something is based on conjecture without firm evidence, often involving a degree of risk or uncertainty.

• Investing in that company is highly speculative.
• Her speculative ideas about the future of technology were fascinating but unproven.

Used when something is assumed to be true based on reasonable grounds or evidence, but not yet confirmed.

• The presumptive diagnosis was made before the test results came in.
• His presumptive identification as the suspect was later confirmed by witnesses.

Applied when making a conclusion based on incomplete information, often involving guesswork.

• Much of the detective's work was conjectural due to the lack of witnesses.
• The scientist's conjectural ideas sparked a great debate among his peers.

Used when something is based on an assumption or supposition, rather than firm evidence.

• The conclusions drawn are purely suppositional and need further verification
• His suppositional approach didn't convince the committee

Used when something is based on conjecture, involving guesswork and lacking firm evidence. This term often carries a sense of uncertainty.

• The historian's claims are highly conjectural and not backed by solid evidence
• His conjectural predictions often turned out to be incorrect

Used when something is related to or based on theory rather than practical application or real-world experience.

• The theoretical framework of the study is solid, but it lacks practical evidence
• Theoretical physics often involves complex mathematical equations

Used when referring to something that exists only in the imagination and not in reality.

• The monster under his bed was purely imaginary
• She had an imaginary friend when she was a child

Used when something is taken for granted or accepted as true without proof. This word can also imply a certain level of confidence in the assumption.

• It was assumed that everyone had completed their homework
• She assumed he would arrive on time, but he didn't