noun
supposition
sup-uh-ZISH-uhn/ˌsʌpəˈzɪʃn/
A belief or idea accepted as possible without certain proof.
The argument rests on an untested supposition.
Etymology
“Placing under” became an image for laying a foundation beneath an argument, influenced by Greek hypothesis. A supposition is thus an idea provisionally accepted as a basis for reasoning, without proof.
In context
Either supposition accounted for the fallen clock, and fitted in with nearly all the known facts of the murder.
More examples
- Her supposition proved incorrect.
- We proceeded on the supposition that the road was open.
- The evidence challenged several earlier suppositions.
Forms
supposition · suppositions
suppose verb — consider something possible or assume it
Similar words
- assumption
- An assumption is accepted without proof; supposition often signals an idea provisionally considered possible.
- conjecture
- A conjecture is an inference or guess from limited evidence; a supposition may simply be a premise adopted for discussion.