presuppose
gb/pɹˌisəpˈoʊz/ us/pɹˌisəpˈoʊz/
C1
English
Senses
0 senses
Verb
formal
C1
action
1
assume as already true
To assume something is true before you have proof.
Usage pattern:
[something] presupposes (that) [something]
Common mistake:
Often confused with suppose/assume in general; presuppose usually means you take something as a starting point and build on it.
Synonyms
assume (More general; presuppose stresses an unstated starting point.)
|
take for granted (More informal; emphasizes not questioning the assumption.)
|
suppose (Weaker and less formal; often used for guesses.)
Antonyms
question (To treat it as uncertain rather than given.)
|
doubt (To think it may not be true.)
Collocations
presuppose that
|presuppose the existence of
|presuppose knowledge of
|presuppose familiarity with
|presuppose a shared understanding
|presuppose a certain level
|presuppose an answer
|presuppose guilt
|presuppose innocence
|presuppose the truth
Themes
communication
|thinking
|education
Examples
- Your question presupposes that everyone has access to a car.
- The policy presupposes a level of trust that many employees don’t feel.
- Calling it a mistake presupposes there was a better option.
Learner examples
- It presupposes that the plan will work.
- This question presupposes a shared goal.
Verb
formal
C1
relation
2
require as a necessary condition
To need something to be true first.
Usage pattern:
[something] presupposes [something]
Common mistake:
Learners may use it when they only mean 'suggest' or 'imply'; presuppose means 'depends on/needs' in this sense.
Synonyms
require (More common and direct; presuppose is more formal.)
|
depend on (Highlights reliance; presuppose can sound more logical/structural.)
|
entail (Often used for logical consequences; presuppose focuses on prerequisites.)
Antonyms
be independent of (Not needing something as a condition.)
|
not require (Direct opposition in terms of necessity.)
Collocations
presuppose a stable environment
|presuppose access to
|presuppose resources
|presuppose funding
|presuppose cooperation
|presuppose consent
|presuppose prior approval
|presuppose training
|presuppose experience
|presuppose a definition
Themes
logic
|work
|planning
Examples
- Long-term success presupposes consistent effort.
- Remote work presupposes reliable internet access.
- Any meaningful comparison presupposes a clear definition of the terms.
Learner examples
- Teamwork presupposes trust.
- A contract presupposes consent.
Grammar
Dictionary form
presuppose
IPA
GB/pɹˌisəpˈoʊz/
US/pɹˌisəpˈoʊz/
Syllables & stress
pre - sup - pose (3 syllables)
Stress on 3rd syllable (pose)
Word forms
Verb
- Base: presuppose
- 3rd Person Singular: presupposes
- Present Participle: presupposing
- Past: presupposed
Word family
Forms
presupposes
verb
presupposing
verb
presupposed
verb
Core family
presupposition
noun C1
Related words
suppose
verb B1
supposition
noun C1
Advanced or less common
presuppositional
adjective
Expressions
No expressions linked to this entry yet.