suppose
gb/səpˈoʊz/ us/səpˈoʊz/
A2
English
~ 800
Senses
0 senses
Verb
B1
action
1
Assume something is true
To think something is true, even if you are not sure.
Usage pattern:
to suppose [that clause]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'suppose' with 'guess'. 'Guess' can be more about making a quick, less certain answer, while 'suppose' can show a thoughtful assumption.
Synonyms
assume (Often used more formally or in logical contexts; 'suppose' can be more casual or conversational.)
|
presume (Similar meaning but sometimes suggests stronger likelihood or legal/formal use.)
Antonyms
doubt (Indicates uncertainty or disbelief, the opposite of accepting something as true.)
Collocations
I suppose so
|suppose that
|suppose we
|you suppose
|be supposed to
Themes
thinking
|communication
|daily life
|education
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- I suppose you're right about the weather.
- She supposed he had already left for work.
- I suppose we could try calling them again.
- Do you suppose they will arrive on time?
- I suppose it's too late to change our plans.
Learner examples
- I suppose it will rain today.
- I suppose she is at home now.
- Do you suppose he will come?
- I suppose this is your bag.
- I suppose we can start now.
Verb
B1
action
2
Suggest imagining a situation
To ask someone to imagine a situation, often to talk about what might happen.
Usage pattern:
suppose [clause], [result/clause]
Common mistake:
Learners may forget that 'suppose' in this use often sets up a conditional and should be followed by appropriate tense forms.
Synonyms
imagine (Focuses more on creating a mental picture, while 'suppose' frames it for argument or reasoning.)
Collocations
suppose you were
|let's suppose
|suppose for a moment
Themes
thinking
|communication
|education
Examples
- Suppose you won the lottery—what would you do?
- Let's suppose it's true; what happens next?
- Suppose we missed the train—how would we get there?
Learner examples
- Suppose you are rich. What will you buy?
- Suppose it rains. What will we do?
- Let's suppose we go by car.
Verb
A2
state
3
Be expected to do something
To be told that you must do something by rule or plan.
Usage pattern:
[someone] be supposed to [verb]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes omit 'be' and say 'I supposed to go' instead of 'I am supposed to go'. The auxiliary verb is necessary.
Synonyms
should ('Should' expresses duty or advisability; 'be supposed to' emphasizes expectation based on rules or arrangements.)
Antonyms
not meant to (Indicates lack of intention or prohibition, opposite of being expected.)
Collocations
be supposed to happen
|be supposed to start
|be supposed to help
Themes
rules
|daily life
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- You're supposed to wear a helmet when riding a bike.
- The meeting was supposed to start at 9 a.m.
- I'm supposed to finish this report by Friday.
Learner examples
- I am supposed to clean my room.
- We are supposed to be quiet in the library.
- She is supposed to come at 6.
Grammar
Dictionary form
suppose
IPA
GB/səpˈoʊz/
US/səpˈoʊz/
Syllables & stress
sup - pose (2 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (pose)
Word forms
Verb
- Base: suppose
- 3rd Person Singular: supposes
- Present Participle: supposing
- Past: supposed
Word family
Forms
supposes
verb
supposing
verb
supposed
verb
Core family
supposedly
adverb B2
Advanced or less common
supposition
noun C1
Expressions
I suppose so
1/ˈaɪ səpˈoʊz sˈoʊ/
fixed phrase
Reluctant or uncertain agreement
Used to say yes, but without being very sure or excited.
Examples
- "Do you want to join us?" "I suppose so."
- "It's going to rain later." "I suppose so."
let's suppose (that)
1/lˈɛts səpˈoʊz ðˈæt/
fixed phrase
Introduce a hypothetical situation for discussion
Used when asking someone to imagine a situation so you can talk about it.
Examples
- Let's suppose that you are the boss—what changes would you make?
- Let's suppose it's true; what happens then?
be supposed to
1/bˈi səpˈoʊzd tə/
fixed phrase
to be expected to do something
To have a duty or expectation to do something.
Examples
- You are supposed to finish your homework before dinner.
- You are supposed to hand in your homework on time.
- We were supposed to meet at 6 p.m.
- The train is supposed to arrive at 8 p.m.