supposition
C1Formal, Academic
Definition
Meaning
An idea or theory that is assumed to be true, or the act of assuming something to be true, without conclusive evidence.
A hypothesis or premise accepted provisionally as a basis for reasoning, investigation, or argument, often in academic, philosophical, or speculative contexts.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Implies a degree of uncertainty or speculation; often used when the basis for belief is incomplete or untested. Contrasts with 'fact' or 'certainty'.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling and pronunciation are consistent.
Connotations
Neutral in both, though slightly more common in British formal writing.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in British English corpora (BNC vs. COCA), but the difference is marginal.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[supposition] + that-clause[supposition] + about + noun phrase[supposition] + of + noun phraseon the supposition that + clauseVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “on the supposition that”
- “work on the supposition”
- “proceed from the supposition”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used in strategic planning or risk assessment, e.g., 'Our forecast is based on the supposition that interest rates will remain stable.'
Academic
Common in theoretical frameworks or methodological discussions, e.g., 'The experiment tests the supposition that cognitive load affects decision-making.'
Everyday
Used in casual reasoning or speculation, e.g., 'My supposition is that they'll arrive late due to the traffic.'
Technical
Found in legal, philosophical, or scientific contexts to denote a provisional premise, e.g., 'The argument proceeds from the supposition of rational actors.'
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- We can only suppose what the outcome might be.
- I suppose you'll be needing a lift home?
American English
- I suppose we should start the meeting.
- They suppose the data is accurate, but we need to verify.
adverb
British English
- He argued suppositionally, without any hard data.
- The theory was suppositionally derived from anecdotal observations.
American English
- She spoke suppositionally about the market trends.
- The model operates suppositionally until real data is input.
adjective
British English
- Her argument was entirely suppositional and lacked evidence.
- This is a suppositional framework, not an established theory.
American English
- The report's conclusions are suppositional at best.
- He offered a suppositional scenario for the committee to consider.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- My supposition is that it will rain later.
- Her supposition about the price was correct.
- The detective's supposition led to a new line of inquiry.
- Our plan is based on the supposition that everyone will attend.
- The article challenges the common supposition that economic growth always reduces poverty.
- His argument rests on the unverified supposition that human behaviour is purely rational.
- The philosophical treatise examines the supposition that free will is an illusion.
- Critics dismissed the policy as being founded on a series of dubious suppositions about public sentiment.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'SUPPOSE' + 'POSITION' – a supposition is the position you take when you suppose something.
Conceptual Metaphor
IDEAS ARE BUILDINGS (a supposition is a foundational block, but one that may be shaky); THINKING IS SEEING (a supposition is a blurred vision of the truth).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid confusing with 'предложение' (which means 'offer' or 'sentence'). The correct equivalent is 'предположение'.
- Do not use 'supposition' where 'hypothesis' (гипотеза) is more precise in scientific contexts.
- Beware of false friend 'суппозиция' (a rare philosophical term), which is not the common translation.
Common Mistakes
- Misspelling as 'suposition' (missing a 'p').
- Using as a verb (correct verb: 'suppose').
- Confusing with 'supplement' or 'supposition' in speech due to similar sound.
Practice
Quiz
Which word is the closest synonym for 'supposition' in a formal, academic context?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Both refer to something taken as true without proof, but 'supposition' often implies a more speculative or hypothetical basis, while 'assumption' is broader and can be more neutral or even unconscious.
Yes, when it denotes a reasonable starting point for inquiry (e.g., 'a working supposition'), but it often carries a note of caution or uncertainty compared to terms like 'premise' or 'axiom'.
It is more common in formal speech, writing, and academic discourse. In everyday conversation, words like 'guess', 'assumption', or 'idea' are more frequent.
A supposition typically lacks solid evidence; it is a belief formed in the absence of conclusive proof. Evidence is sought to confirm or refute a supposition.
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