presuppose

verb

pre·​sup·​pose ˌprē-sə-ˈpōz How to pronounce presuppose (audio)
presupposed; presupposing; presupposes

transitive verb

1
: to suppose beforehand
2
: to require as an antecedent in logic or fact
presupposition noun
presuppositional adjective

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 That’s because the conversation presupposes that Biden might not be up to the task. Aaron Blake, Washington Post, 1 July 2024 Investments that presuppose and fund such support in advance will contribute the most to achieving that goal. Dan Altman, Foreign Affairs, 12 June 2024 The problem is that presupposes Hannah has a brain. Brian Moylan, Vulture, 29 Apr. 2024 Community, in its setting of boundaries (this, not that; here, not, there), presupposes a degree of conflict. Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 19 Mar. 2024 See all Example Sentences for presuppose 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'presuppose.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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 15 Jul. 2024.

Kids Definition

presuppose

verb
pre·​sup·​pose ˌprē-sə-ˈpōz How to pronounce presuppose (audio)
: to take something to be true : suppose ahead of time
the book presupposes its readers will know something about the subject
presupposition noun

More from Merriam-Webster on presuppose

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!