presuppose
/priːsəˈpəʊz
/verb [with object]
1Require as a precondition of possibility or coherence: their original prediction presupposed a universe only three billion years old...
- But individuality and distinctiveness presuppose coherence and unity: without them, nothing can stand on its own as an object either of admiration or contempt.
- Nevertheless, our very procedure, in deriving therefrom a lawlike description of the infinite modes, presupposes the possibility of a deductive science.
- Protest, however, also presupposed the possibility of improving one's condition by exerting pressure.
Synonyms
require, necessitate, imply, entail, mean, involve, assume, suppose, have as a necessary condition, have as a precondition
1.1 [with clause] Tacitly assume at the beginning of a line of argument or course of action that something is the case: your argument presupposes that it does not matter who is in power...
- Such an argument would have to presuppose that there is somehow something wrong with being gay.
- Such an argument presupposes that the owner operates hands-off.
- This argument presupposes that rational individuals either cannot, or do not, act in their own best interests.
Synonyms
presume, assume, take it for granted, take it, take it as read/given, suppose, surmise, think, accept, consider, postulate, posit
Origin
Late Middle English: from Old French presupposer, suggested by medieval Latin praesupponere, from prae 'before' + supponere 'place under' (see suppose).