presuppose
To require or assume something as a precondition
Examples
In a meeting
“This strategy presupposes that we'll secure additional funding next quarter”
Over coffee
“Your question presupposes that I've already made a decision”
Why this word
assume
Presuppose means requiring something as a necessary prior condition or implicit assumption, while assume is taking something as true without necessity
require
Presuppose indicates a logical or conceptual prerequisite built into the meaning, while require simply means needing something
imply
Presuppose means taking something as given before proceeding, while imply means suggesting something indirectly as a consequence
Usage tip
Use when identifying underlying assumptions that must be true for something else to work
Etymology
Latin 'prae-' (before) + 'supponere' (to place under)
Get a new word every morning
One precise word per day. Under 60 seconds to read. Free forever.
Related words
interrogate
To examine data or assumptions critically and systematically
problematize
To make something into a problem for analysis; to question assumptions
postulate
To suggest or assume something as a basis for reasoning
synthesis
The combining of separate elements to form a coherent whole
comprehension
The ability to understand the meaning or importance of something
incubate
Develop ideas or projects gradually through nurturing conditions