- Suppose
- Suppose Sup*pose", v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Supposed}; p. pr. &
vb. n. {Supposing}.] [F. supposer; pref. sub- under + poser
to place; -- corresponding in meaning to L. supponere,
suppositum, to put under, to substitute, falsify,
counterfeit. See {Pose}.]
1. To represent to one's self, or state to another, not as
true or real, but as if so, and with a view to some
consequence or application which the reality would involve
or admit of; to imagine or admit to exist, for the sake of
argument or illustration; to assume to be true; as, let us
suppose the earth to be the center of the system, what
would be the result?
[1913 Webster]
Suppose they take offence without a cause. --Shak. [1913 Webster]
When we have as great assurance that a thing is, as we could possibly, supposing it were, we ought not to make any doubt of its existence. --Tillotson. [1913 Webster]
2. To imagine; to believe; to receive as true. [1913 Webster]
How easy is a bush supposed a bear! --Shak. [1913 Webster]
Let not my lord suppose that they have slain all the young men, the king's sons; for Amnon only is dead. --2 Sam. xiii. 32. [1913 Webster]
3. To require to exist or to be true; to imply by the laws of thought or of nature; as, purpose supposes foresight. [1913 Webster]
One falsehood always supposes another, and renders all you can say suspected. --Female Quixote. [1913 Webster]
4. To put by fraud in the place of another. [Obs.] [1913 Webster]
Syn: To imagine; believe; conclude; judge; consider; view; regard; conjecture; assume. [1913 Webster]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.
