verb / noun

posit

PAH-zit/ˈpɑːzɪt/

To put forward an assumption or proposition, or the proposition put forward.

The researcher posits that the plant bends toward light, offering a sketch for consideration.

At a small science discussion table one researcher puts forward a tentative explanation by placing a simple sketch card showing a plant bending toward a window beside two small potted seedlings, and gestures toward the proposed idea while a colleague considers it.

Etymology

To posit an idea is figuratively to place it before others: the physical act of putting something down becomes laying down a proposition or principle.

In context

Mysteria Dialogia38:50

this is a reasonable take on if we want to posit a goal for psychological biological development self-realization

Christ as Archetype: Trinity, Totality, Incarnation, and Self-realisation as the Goal of Life

More examples

The economist posited a link between rising rents and longer commutes.
By positing equal starting conditions, the model simplifies the comparison.
The argument rests on a single posit: people act rationally.

Forms

posit · posits · posited · positing

Similar words

postulate: More specifically establishes an assumption as a foundation for reasoning.
assume: Treats something as true without necessarily stating it explicitly.
propose: Can suggest an action rather than an assumption or proposition.