supposesup‧pose /səˈpəʊz $ -ˈpoʊz/ ●●● S1 W1 verb [transitive] 
I suppose you’re right. So things worked out for the best, I suppose. ‘Aren’t you pleased?’ ‘Yes, I suppose so.’ b)used when agreeing to let someone do something, especially when you do not really want to SYN I guess: ‘Can we come with you?’ ‘Oh, I suppose so.’ c)used when saying in an angry way that you expect something is true SYN I guessI suppose (that) I suppose you thought you were being clever! d)used to say that you think that something is probably true, although you wish it was not and hope someone will tell you it is not SYN I guessI suppose (that) I suppose it’s too late to apply for that job now. e)used when guessing that something is true SYN I guess: She looked about 50, I suppose.2I don’t suppose (that) a)used to ask a question in an indirect way, especially if you think the answer will be ‘no’: I don’t suppose you have any idea where my address book is, do you? b)used to ask for something in a very polite way: I don’t suppose you’d give me a lift to the station? c)used to say that you think it is unlikely something will happen: I don’t suppose I’ll ever see her again.3do you suppose (that) ... ? used to ask someone their opinion about something, although you know that it is unlikely that they have any more information about the situation than you do: Do you suppose this is the exact spot?who/what/why etc do you suppose ... ? Who on earth do you suppose could have done this? How do you suppose he got here?4what’s that supposed to mean? used when you are annoyed by what someone has just said: ‘It sounds like things aren’t going too well for you lately.’ ‘What’s that supposed to mean?’5suppose/supposing (that) used when talking about a possible condition or situation, and then imagining the result: Look, suppose you lost your job tomorrow, what would you do? Supposing it really is a fire!6be supposed to do/be something a)used to say what someone should or should not do, especially because of rules or what someone in authority has said: We’re supposed to check out of the hotel by 11 o'clock. I’m not supposed to tell anyone. What time are you supposed to be there? b)used to say what was or is expected or intended to happen, especially when it did not happen: No one was supposed to know about it. The meeting was supposed to take place on Tuesday, but we’ve had to postpone it. The new laws are supposed to prevent crime. c)used to say that something is believed to be true by many people, although it might not be true or you might disagree: The castle is supposed to be haunted. ‘Dirty Harry’ is supposed to be one of Eastwood’s best films. Mrs Carver is supposed to have a lot of money.7to think that something is probably true, based on what you know SYN presume: There were many more deaths than was first supposed.suppose (that) What makes you suppose we’re going to sell the house? There’s no reason to suppose (=it is unlikely that) he’s lying.GRAMMARIn more formal English, you can say it is supposed that something is true: · It is usually supposed that girls are less aggressive than boys.Grammar guide ‒ VERBS8formal to expect that something will happen or be true, and to base your plans on it: The company’s plan supposes a steady increase in orders.
WORD ORIGINsuppose
Origin:
1300-1400 Old French supposer, from Latin supponere ‘to put under, substitute’, from sub- ( ➔ SUB-) + ponere ‘to put’VERB TABLE
suppose
| Simple Form | ||
| Present | I, you, we, they | suppose |
| he, she, it | supposes | |
| Past | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | supposed |
| Present perfect | I, you, we, they | have supposed |
| he, she, it | has supposed | |
| Past perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | had supposed |
| Future | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will suppose |
| Future perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will have supposed |
EXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
- "What is this?" "It's one of Beethoven's violin sonatas, I suppose."
- His government has lasted longer than his enemies supposed.
- There are many reasons to suppose that Shakespeare was familiar with the stories of medieval Italy.
- We have no reason to suppose that the girl is dead.
- He was supposed to be a temporary candidate in 1992, he said, to enable Perot to get on the ballot.
- How were they supposed to live?
- I would have supposed that the question in Reg. v. Lawrence was whether appropriation necessarily involved an absence of consent.
- Or suppose that your husband gave you a cheque for £15,000; wouldn't that be worth a hug?
- The role of Churchill in the development of full employment policy is greater than has generally been supposed.
- They are looking for clues, I suppose.
- Upon my word, it looks as if my time today has not been so idly wasted as you suppose.
- Walking round the pond, I suppose.
Longman Language Activatorasking what the result will be if something happens
use this to ask someone what they will do if something in particular happens: · What if your plan doesn't work?· I sat there till lunchtime thinking, ''What if he doesn't come back?''
spoken use this when you are asking or imagining what the result will be if a particular thing happens: · Supposing things change and the industry becomes more important. We might make a big profit.· You don't expect me to join the army, do you? Suppose I get killed?· "I'm not a violent person.'' "No, but say someone attacked you. You wouldn't just stand there, would you?''
when it is likely that something will happen or is true when something will probably happen or is probably true: · "Where is she?" "Probably in her room."· We'll probably be shooting the movie on location in Europe.· Archaeologists think the temple was probably built in the 3rd century AD.· He wrote dozens of books, but this is probably his best-known novel.
something that is likely will probably happen or is probably true: · The most likely result is a win for the Democrats.likely to do something: · The price of petrol is likely to rise again this year.very likely: · The jury is very likely to believe he was in the apartment at the time of the crime.something seems likely: · A peace settlement now seems likely.it is likely (that): · It is likely that the girl knew her killer.
formal likely to be true or likely to happen: it is/seems probable (that): · It seems probable that the election will be held in May.highly probable (=when something will almost certainly happen): · Unless the government agrees to further talks, a strike seems highly probable.probable cause: · The report states that the probable cause of death was a heart attack.probable cost/result/outcome etc: · The project will go ahead, at a probable cost of $2.1 million.
to be very likely: · The withdrawal of the allied forces is now a strong possibility.be a strong possibility (that): · There is a strong possibility that both the murders were committed by one man.be a strong possibility of: · The weather forecast says that there's a strong possibility of snow.
spoken say this when the present situation makes you think that something is likely to happen or likely to be true: · There aren't any taxis. It looks as if we'll have to walk.· Ted should be here by now. It looks like he's been delayed.it looks like being British: · From the agenda, it looks like being a long meeting.
if something may well happen or may well be true, it is fairly likely to happen or to be true: · Take an umbrella. It might well rain later on.· That's only my opinion. I could well be wrong.· The eruption of Santorini in 1470 BC may well have been heard as far away as Britain.it may well be (that): · It could well be that it is too late for us to reverse the effects of global warming.something may well be the case: · "Apparently, interest rates could rise again next month." "Yes, that might well be the case."
British /be in the cards American use this to say that something is likely to happen because of the present situation: · They say that another recession is on the cards.· No one was surprised when they got a divorce. It had been on the cards for years.· I was hoping for a promotion, but it doesn't seem to be in the cards right now.
also I guess American spoken say this when you think something is likely to be true or likely to happen: I suppose (that): · There was no reply when I phoned - I suppose she's still at work.· I suppose that they'll do some sightseeing while they're here.· I guess Kathy will want to bring her boyfriend.I suppose so/I guess so (=use this to answer a question): · "Is Bill coming too?" "I suppose so."· "If you don't pass the test, will you take it again?" "I guess so."
British /I would think/guess American spoken say this when you know enough about a situation to think something is likely to be true or likely to happen: · The garden's about 100 metres long, I would guess.I should think (that): · I should think she's about 24 or 25.· I would think that almost everyone could get here on a Saturday. I should/would think so: · "Will the match still go ahead?'' "Yes, I should think so.''
spoken say this when you know enough about a situation to think that something is likely to happen or be true, especially something special or unusual: I wouldn't be surprised if: · You know, I wouldn't be surprised if they decided to get married.I wouldn't be surprised to hear/see/find etc that: · I wouldn't be surprised to hear that she'd left that job by now.
to think that something is true, but not be sure to think something is true, but you are not completely sure. Believe is more formal than think: think/believe (that): · I think Jill moved to the new house last week.· "Is it painted?" "No, I think it's a mosaic."I think so/I believe so (=say this to answer "yes" to a questions when you are fairly sure that something is true): · "Has James gone home?" "Yes, I think so."
to think that something is true, although you have no proof: · You shouldn't just assume things without getting all the facts.assume (that): · I just assumed that the woman standing next to Jack was his wife.· We assume that other industrialized nations are going to help with money for food and other supplies.we can safely assume (=it is reasonably certain): · I think we can safely assume that the practice is legal.
something that you think is true although you have no proof: · Yes the Socialists will probably win -- that seems a fair assumption.make the assumption that: · At that time we had to make the assumption that the disease was spreading and take action to stop it.on the assumption that: · Eden acted on the assumption that his allies would support him.
to wrongly believe that something is true, because of something you have heard or seen: · I was under the impression that you couldn't get a parking ticket on private property.be under the mistaken impression (that): · The average American is under the mistaken impression that wildlife refuges have been set up to protect animals.
to think that something is probably true, especially something bad: suspect (that): · I suspect that he never really loved her.· No one suspected anything was wrong.as somebody suspected: · As we suspected, there is a problem with the braking system, and it will be replaced.
to feel sure that something is true because of information that you have, although there is always some possibility that you are wrong: believe (that): · Police believe that the money was stolen by a gang of youths.believe somebody to be capable/honest/a fool etc: · I had always believed Catherine to be absolutely honest in money matters.firmly believe: · Both sides firmly believe that a peace settlement is now possible.
to be fairly sure of something, especially because you have a good reason to think so, although you have no proof: presume (that): · The committee presumed that its decisions would be carried out.presume somebody/something to be somebody/something: · Many scientists presumed the new damage to the forests to be the result of higher levels of pollution.be presumed innocent/dead/responsible etc: · The defendant is presumed innocent until proved guilty.
if you say something presumably is a fact, you think it must be true because of the information you have: · Several of the villagers disappeared, presumably killed by enemy soldiers.· The audience hears the word so many times during the play that presumably they learn what it means if they didn't already know.
to think that something is probably true, especially because of some information you have - use this in written or formal contexts: suppose (that): · We have no reason to suppose that the girl is dead.· There are many reasons to suppose that Shakespeare was familiar with the stories of medieval Italy.
to be sure that something is true without ever asking yourself whether you are right or not: · I never asked if she was single - I just took it for granted.take it for granted (that): · I took if for granted that Steven would still be working for us when the new project started.
what you say when you think something is true, but you are not sure spoken · She'll be here about 9, I think.I think (that) · I think the dog must have eaten it.I think so · "Is Matthew still here?" "I think so -- I've just seen him."I would think so · "Will Jenny be at the meeting?" "I would think so."
spoken say this when you think that something is probably true but you are not really sure: · Having a burglar alarm makes you feel safer, I suppose.I suppose (that): · I suppose we can pay by credit card but we'd better check first.I suppose so (=say this to answer a question): · "Will the children be disappointed?" "Yes, I suppose so."
especially American, spoken say this when you think that something is probably true but you are not really sure: · Rob just got tired of living with her, I guess.I guess (that): · I guess this is the best way to do it.I guess so: · "Is the truck safe to drive now?" "I guess so."
to start to think something is a fact because of various things that happen, because of the way someone is behaving etc: get the impression/feeling/idea (that): · I got the impression she was actually quite nervous about it.· Walking down the main street, you get the feeling that nothing ever happens in this town.· I don't want you to get the idea that I don't like him.get this/that idea: · "He thinks you're angry with them." "Where on earth did he get that idea?"
spoken say this when you think that something is true, although you realize that you may not know all the facts: · As far as I know, Caroline's never been married.· Alaska doesn't have any drilling sites off the coast, as far as I know.
spoken say this when you think that something is likely to be true, although what you say is only based on your opinion: I imagine (that): · I imagine she's stuck in a traffic jam or something.I would imagine (that): · I would imagine that Libby could help you - she knows a lot about legal things.
spoken say this when you want to make it clear that there may be things you do not know about a situation: · As far as I am aware, Mr Cusner and his family are still living in Cleveland, Ohio.
formal spoken say this when you want to make it clear that you are not completely sure about the statement you are making: · To the best of my knowledge, this is the first time that anyone has translated these poems into English.
spoken say this when you think that something is true and you are asking someone else to tell you that you are right: I take it (that): · I take it that you're Rob's sister?· So can we take it that you'll be at the meeting?· You've made plans for the future, I take it?
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRY ‘Aren’t you pleased?’ ‘Yes, I suppose so.’ ‘Can we come with you?’ ‘Oh, I suppose so.’ Who on earth do you suppose could have done this? How do you suppose he got here? There’s no reason to suppose (=it is unlikely that) he’s lying.COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES It would be naive to think that this could solve all the area’s problems straight away.COLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSADVERB
‘Aren’t you pleased?’ ‘Yes, I suppose so.’ ‘Can we come with you?’ ‘Oh, I suppose so.’ Who on earth do you suppose could have done this? How do you suppose he got here? There’s no reason to suppose (=it is unlikely that) he’s lying. It would be naive to think that this could solve all the area’s problems straight away.· I suppose so, Rajiv, I suppose so, but he is not to come to the briefing.· I don't suppose so - all Satan's interested in is food.
· He didn't smile, or laugh like maniacs are supposed to.· Time would solve everything, or at least it was supposed to.· If you value your career, the argument would go, you find what you are supposed to.
NOUN· At the moment there is no reason to suppose that this will lead to the Collection being either more or less accessible.· That was a general possibility and there was no reason to suppose that that would be the conclusion.· But there is, unfortunately, every reason to suppose that the general picture she paints is still accurate.· There was just no reason to suppose that this was impossible.· The only thing is that this text gives no reason to suppose that it also applied in cognitio.· There is therefore no reason to suppose that the homoeopathic remedies are any different.· There is indeed cause for concern in all this, but perhaps not for the reasons many people suppose.· There is no reason at all to suppose they are unrepresentative in this respect.
· His feeling tone was blank, was clear ... Well, after that, I suppose, things can only improve.· How are parents supposed to accomplish these things?· Woman supposed to like nice things.· Women were not supposed to do things like that.· I suppose such things were happy on our land because we never put chemical fertilizers on it.· I suppose things made such indelible impressions on us because we had so little.· I suppose value things that would not be valued elsewhere.
VERB· But let us suppose that it counts among the wise.· To make this joint quite clear let us suppose that one had wanted to be a great singer.· For ease of exposition, let us suppose n 4.· Now let us suppose that the train is traveling at six-tenths the speed of light.· To make the numbers a bit easier, let us suppose that there are just three offspring.· As an example, let us suppose that the incoming attack is a punch to the sternum, or upper chest.
PHRASES FROM THE ENTRY► do you suppose (that) ... ?PHRASES FROM OTHER ENTRIES
- I am supposed to say no.
- It is supposed to save money and impose some market discipline on bureaucracy's natural tendency to swell.
- It seems reasonable to suppose that they should be, if the contentious area of imaginative literature is ruled out.
- Orientals are supposed to had a monopoly in the hands-modelling business, she says.
- Other economic news from the federal government that was supposed to be released has been postponed.
- So I was supposed to meet this bike trainer this afternoon in Brooklyn, right?
- Well, we all are, I suppose.
- Whom are we supposed to forgive?
- "Ultra Velvet" is supposed to perform at the club on Friday.
- I didn't really like the book, but the movie is supposed to be very funny.
- Mrs. Carver is supposed to have a lot of money.
- No one was supposed to know about it.
- This is supposed to be the best Chinese restaurant in town.
- Was that supposed to be a joke?
- We're supposed to check out of the hotel by 11:00.
- What time are you supposed to be there?
- You're not supposed to smoke in the building.
- And he was supposed to be a friend.
- By law, the costs of holding a fund-raising event are supposed to be reported as a noncash campaign contribution.
- He was supposed to be getting that for the gerbil babies, but his hopes were fading.
- I was supposed to be at work in my bookshop in Petersfield, Hampshire.
- She wouldn't understand that it was supposed to be a protest.
- This was supposed to be her final victory over him, supposed to establish her rule once and for all.
- Truthfully, the weather in South Florida is supposed to be balmy.
- You were supposed to be Gibson in the role-playing.
- "Is Bill coming too?" "I suppose so."
- "The kids will love it, don't you think?" "I suppose."
- "Will the children be disappointed?" "Yes, I suppose so."
- Having a burglar alarm makes you feel safer, I suppose.
- I suppose that they'll do some sightseeing while they're here.
- I suppose we can pay by credit card but we'd better check first.
- There was no reply when I phoned - I suppose she's still at work.
- And they say, Well, yes, I suppose so.
- I have been on at Desmond about it, as a matter of fact, which I suppose is what she wanted.
- In the beginning he would always win and then one day, inevitably I suppose, I beat him.
- It is I suppose an ordinary willow.
- It starts, I suppose, with my first meeting Steve and ends some months later with another chance encounter.
- It was a relief, I suppose.
- Uncle's gone doolally again. I suppose that's what happens when you get old.
- I don't suppose the painting will ever be worth a thousand dollars.
- I don't suppose you'd be willing to go get the napkins?
- I don't suppose you have any idea where my address book is, do you?
- "It sounds like things aren't going too well for you lately." "What's that supposed to mean?"
- As for an Iguana Air, I can only assume it's a tropical airline.
- Now if I can only think of their name.
WORD FAMILYnounsuppositionpresuppositionverbsupposepresupposeadjectivesupposedadverbsupposedly
SPOKEN PHRASES1I suppose a)used to say you think something is true, although you are uncertain about it SYN I guessI suppose (that) I suppose you’re right. So things worked out for the best, I suppose. ‘Aren’t you pleased?’ ‘Yes, I suppose so.’ b)used when agreeing to let someone do something, especially when you do not really want to SYN I guess: ‘Can we come with you?’ ‘Oh, I suppose so.’ c)used when saying in an angry way that you expect something is true SYN I guessI suppose (that) I suppose you thought you were being clever! d)used to say that you think that something is probably true, although you wish it was not and hope someone will tell you it is not SYN I guessI suppose (that) I suppose it’s too late to apply for that job now. e)used when guessing that something is true SYN I guess: She looked about 50, I suppose.2I don’t suppose (that) a)used to ask a question in an indirect way, especially if you think the answer will be ‘no’: I don’t suppose you have any idea where my address book is, do you? b)used to ask for something in a very polite way: I don’t suppose you’d give me a lift to the station? c)used to say that you think it is unlikely something will happen: I don’t suppose I’ll ever see her again.3do you suppose (that) ... ? used to ask someone their opinion about something, although you know that it is unlikely that they have any more information about the situation than you do: Do you suppose this is the exact spot?who/what/why etc do you suppose ... ? Who on earth do you suppose could have done this? How do you suppose he got here?4what’s that supposed to mean? used when you are annoyed by what someone has just said: ‘It sounds like things aren’t going too well for you lately.’ ‘What’s that supposed to mean?’5suppose/supposing (that) used when talking about a possible condition or situation, and then imagining the result: Look, suppose you lost your job tomorrow, what would you do? Supposing it really is a fire!6be supposed to do/be something a)used to say what someone should or should not do, especially because of rules or what someone in authority has said: We’re supposed to check out of the hotel by 11 o'clock. I’m not supposed to tell anyone. What time are you supposed to be there? b)used to say what was or is expected or intended to happen, especially when it did not happen: No one was supposed to know about it. The meeting was supposed to take place on Tuesday, but we’ve had to postpone it. The new laws are supposed to prevent crime. c)used to say that something is believed to be true by many people, although it might not be true or you might disagree: The castle is supposed to be haunted. ‘Dirty Harry’ is supposed to be one of Eastwood’s best films. Mrs Carver is supposed to have a lot of money.7to think that something is probably true, based on what you know SYN presume: There were many more deaths than was first supposed.suppose (that) What makes you suppose we’re going to sell the house? There’s no reason to suppose (=it is unlikely that) he’s lying.GRAMMARIn more formal English, you can say it is supposed that something is true: · It is usually supposed that girls are less aggressive than boys.Grammar guide ‒ VERBS8formal to expect that something will happen or be true, and to base your plans on it: The company’s plan supposes a steady increase in orders.