WordValepresuppose
to assume beforehand
In more detail
1. (verb) to assume that something is true or exists before discussing it or doing something else
2. (verb) to require something as a necessary condition beforehand
Examples
- 1. The question presupposes that you already have some knowledge of chemistry.
- 2. A successful business presupposes careful planning and adequate funding.
How to use presuppose
Presuppose is more formal and philosophical than assume, emphasizing a logical or necessary prior condition rather than a casual guess. It is often used in academic, philosophical, or technical contexts to indicate that something must already be true or accepted for an argument or action to proceed. The term carries a sense of inevitability or inherent requirement.
Common phrases
- presuppose that
- presupposes knowledge of
- presupposes the existence of
- logically presupposes
Synonyms
assume · take for granted · suppose · imply · require
Word family
presupposition (noun) · presupposed (adjective/past participle)
A common mistake
Learners sometimes use presuppose when they simply mean assume or suppose, missing the logical or necessary dimension that distinguishes presuppose.
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