suppose
sup·pose / səˈpōz/ • v. 1. assume that something is the case on the basis of evidence or probability but without proof or certain knowledge: I suppose I got there about half past eleven. ∎ used to make a reluctant or hesitant admission: I'm quite a good actress, I suppose. ∎ used to introduce a hypothesis and trace or ask about what follows from it: suppose he had been murdered—what then? ∎ [in imper.] used to introduce a suggestion: suppose we leave this to the police. ∎ (of a theory or argument) assume or require that something is the case as a precondition: the procedure supposes that a will has already been proved | [tr.] the theory supposes a predisposition to interpret utterances. ∎ [tr.] believe to exist or to possess a specified characteristic: he supposed the girl to be about twelve | [as adj.] (supposed) / səˈpōzid/ people admire their supposed industriousness.2. (be supposed to do something) be required to do something because of the position one is in or an agreement one has made: I'm supposed to be meeting someone at the airport. ∎ be forbidden to do something: I shouldn't have been in the kitchen—I'm not supposed to go in there.PHRASES: I suppose so used to express hesitant or reluctant agreement.DERIVATIVES: sup·pos·a·ble adj.