presuppose

verb

pre·​sup·​pose ˌprē-sə-ˈpōz 

presupposed; presupposing; presupposes

transitive verb

1

: to suppose beforehand

2

: to require as an antecedent in logic or fact

presupposition

(ˌ)prē-ˌsə-pə-ˈzi-shən 

noun

presuppositional

(ˌ)prē-ˌsə-pə-ˈzi-sh(ə-)nəl 

adjective

Synonyms of presuppose

• assume
• say
• presume
• believe
• suppose
• think

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

Reports citing human capabilities undoubtedly presuppose typical human brain proficiency based on effort. — Michael Ashley, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026

Disagreement about whether the Constitution should be taken to presuppose the authority of natural law, or to displace it, emerged among early Supreme Court Justices. — Jeannie Suk Gersen, New Yorker, 2 July 2026

On his Instagram story, the producer Hudson Mohawke wrote that the uproar around the detection tool’s findings presupposes the very conditions of the music industry. — Hattie Lindert, Pitchfork, 21 June 2026

In this case, the question presupposes that lowering the debt is best accomplished by cutting or restructuring programs. — Baltimore Sun Staff, Baltimore Sun, 20 May 2026

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

Rhymes for presuppose

• agarose
• aliquots
• amigos
• anthracnose
• bottlenose
• buffaloes
• bungalows
• calicoes
• cameos
• commandos
• conversos
• decompose

Kids Definition

presuppose

verb

pre·​sup·​pose ˌprē-sə-ˈpōz 

: to take something to be true : suppose ahead of time

the book presupposes its readers will know something about the subject

presupposition

(ˌ)prē-ˌsəp-ə-ˈzish-ən 

noun