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-ˈzish-nəl 

-ˈzi-shə-nᵊl

adjective

Synonyms

• 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

That means in talent reviews, the conversation should not presuppose a single strategy. —Vibhas Ratanjee, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2025

General social customs presuppose people of goodwill, not such extreme and unfortunate cases. —Judith Martin, Sun Sentinel, 29 July 2025

But this presupposes that the forgiveness expressed toward Dylann Roof was for Dylann Roof. —Kevin Sack, Time, 3 June 2025

It is less firmly established that a young Carême played an active role in statecraft, and yet that’s exactly what this frothy, flirty and above all fun show presupposes. —Alison Herman, Variety, 30 Apr. 2025

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