verb

presuppose

pree-suh-POHZ/ˌpriːsəˈpəʊz/

To assume something is true or necessary in advance.

Reaching into her pocket presupposes that the keys are still there.

Woman reaches into coat pocket expecting keys shown in tiny thought bubble, but turned-out pocket visibly empty; assumption precedes action, thoughtful surprised expression, no words.

Etymology

Adding “before” to “assume” makes the assumption a starting point: something taken for granted in advance of knowledge or experience, on which later reasoning or action depends.

In context

MCC East Bay (Muslim Community Center)0:52

a muslim and a christian are not going to debate does god exist because they both presuppose god right they both believe he exists

Does God Exist?: A Muslim’s Response to Atheism | Ustadh Dr. Ali Ate

More examples

This plan presupposes access to reliable transportation.
We cannot presuppose that every student owns a laptop.
By presupposing his guilt, they overlooked evidence of his innocence.

Forms

presuppose · presupposes · presupposed · presupposing

presupposition noun — An assumption made before further reasoning.

Similar words

assume: Means accepting something as true, without necessarily doing so beforehand.
presume: Often suggests a belief based on likelihood or available evidence.
posit: Means putting forward an assumption for reasoning or discussion.