Word
suppose
Phoneticssup·pose, stress on the second syllable
US/səˈpoʊz/
UK/sʌpˈəʊz/
Definitions
01to think or believe
A2 · Elementary
v. to think that something is likely true, even if you do not have all the facts.
v. to assume or believe something to be the case based on probability rather than certain knowledge.
“I suppose we should start cooking dinner if the guests are arriving soon.”
“I suppose the flight has been delayed, given that the departure board hasn't updated in over forty minutes.”
Usage
Often used as a parenthetical or a tag in conversation to soften a statement.
Pitfall
I am supposing he is busy.
I suppose he is busy.
In this sense, 'suppose' is a stative verb and is rarely used in the continuous (-ing) form.
02to imagine a situation
B1 · Intermediate
v. to imagine what might happen in a particular situation.
v. to consider something as a possibility for the sake of argument or imagination.
Español:suponer
“Suppose you won the lottery tomorrow—what would you do first?”
“Suppose for a moment that the initial findings were flawed; how would that impact the rest of the research project?”
Usage
Frequently used in the imperative form to introduce a hypothetical scenario.
Synonyms
03to be expected to
A2 · Elementary
v. to be required or expected to do something because of a rule or plan.
v. to be required or expected to behave in a particular way based on rules, arrangements, or social duty.
“You are supposed to take your shoes off before entering the house.”
“The committee was supposed to submit the final report last Tuesday, but several members requested an extension to review the data.”
Usage
Always used in the passive voice followed by a 'to' infinitive.
Pitfall
I suppose to be there at ten.
I am supposed to be there at ten.
When talking about obligations, you must use the passive form 'be supposed to'.
Teaching tip
Learners often forget the 'd' at the end of 'supposed' in this construction because it is often silent in fast speech.
Antonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “suppose” in context.
Etymology
From Middle English supposen, borrowed from Old French supposer, equivalent to prefix sub- (“under”) + poser (“to place”); corresponding in meaning to Latin supponere (“to put under, to substitute, falsify, counterfeit”), suppositum. See pose.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
ADVERB
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A2 KeyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.3.0–4.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 2.0–2.524–43TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.225–549
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- A2 · ElementaryOxford
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/suppose
Traducciones: Kaikki.org (Wiktionary), CC BY-SA 4.0