Presupposition — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb noun /ˌprē-sə-ˈpōz/ pre·sup·pose

Meaning & Definition of Presupposition

Presupposition (verb)

  1. to suppose beforehand
  2. to require as an antecedent in logic or fact

Presupposition (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. something taken as being true or factual and used as a starting point for a course of action or reasoning

    "the cynic's presupposition that everyone acts out of purely selfish motives"

    similar: assumption, given, hypothetical, if, postulate, premise, presumption, supposition
    related: hypothesis, proposition, theory, thesis, axiom, truism, verity, belief, canon, doctrine, dogma, gospel, law, precept, principle, rule, standard, tenet, basis, foundation, ground, conclusion, deduction, inference, affirmation, assertion, avouchment, declaration, dictum, ipse dixit

Related Entry: Presuppose (verb)

Presuppose is a different word from Presupposition. The synonyms below are for presuppose, not for presupposition.

  1. to take as true or as a fact without actual proof

    "the book presupposes its readers will already know something about the subject"

    similar: assume, hypothecate, hypothesize, postulate, premise, presume, say, suppose, take for granted
    related: accept, believe, credit, swallow, conclude, deduce, gather, infer, judge, take, conjecture, figure, guess, reckon (chiefly dialect), surmise, suspect, suspicion (chiefly dialect), think, conceive, dream, fancy, imagine, perceive, preconceive, speculate, theorize, affirm, allege, assert, aver, avouch, avow, claim, contend, declare, insist, maintain, profess
    near: challenge, controvert, disagree (with), disbelieve, discount, discredit, dispute, distrust, doubt, mistrust, question, wonder (about), deny, disavow, disclaim, disown, reject, repudiate, belie, confute, disprove, rebut, refute

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Presupposition

The most common words with a similar meaning to Presupposition:

assumption, given, hypothetical, if, postulate, premise, presumption, supposition

Related Words for Presupposition

hypothesis, proposition, theory, thesis, axiom, truism, verity, belief, canon, doctrine, dogma, gospel, law, precept, principle, rule, standard, tenet, basis, foundation, ground, conclusion, deduction, inference, affirmation, assertion, avouchment, declaration, dictum, ipse dixit

Word Forms of Presupposition

Inflections: presupposed, presupposing, presupposes

Derived words: presupposition (noun), presuppositional (adjective)

Origin & Etymology of Presupposition

Middle English, from Middle French presupposer, from Medieval Latin praesupponere (perfect indicative praesupposui), from Latin prae- + Medieval Latin supponere to suppose suppose

First known use: 15th century

Frequently Asked Questions about Presupposition

What does "Presupposition" mean?

"Presupposition" means to suppose beforehand. As an a verb and a noun, it is defined as: to suppose beforehand.

What is another word for "Presupposition"?

Other words for "Presupposition" include assumption, given, hypothetical, if, postulate, premise, presumption and supposition. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Presupposition" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Presupposition"?

There are 38 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Presupposition". Common alternatives include assumption, given, hypothetical, if, postulate, premise, presumption and supposition.

How do you use "Presupposition" in a sentence?

Examples of "Presupposition" in a sentence: "the cynic's presupposition that everyone acts out of purely selfish motives".

Is "Presupposition" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Presupposition" can be used as a verb and a noun, depending on the context.

How do you pronounce "Presupposition"?

"Presupposition" is pronounced /ˌprē-sə-ˈpōz/ and divided into syllables as pre·sup·pose.

What is the origin of the word "Presupposition"?

"Presupposition" comes from Middle English, from Middle French presupposer, from Medieval Latin praesupponere (perfect indicative praesupposui), from Latin prae- + Medieval Latin supponere to suppose suppose. First known use: 15th century.

What is another word for "Presupposition" meaning "something taken as being true or factual and used as a starting point for a course of action or reasoning"?

When "Presupposition" (noun) means something taken as being true or factual and used as a starting point for a course of action or reasoning, synonyms include assumption, given, hypothetical, if, postulate and premise.