Words / B1

s-uh-POHZ/səˈpəʊz/

Suppose means think something is probably true. I suppose so; I suppose the train is late. Guess can be more random; assume is take something as true without proof; think is the everyday verb. Suppose / supposing can also start a hypothesis: suppose we left now… Be supposed to means expected to (you are supposed to wear a helmet). Supposedly reports what people say.

Meaning

To think that something is probably true.

Examples

• “I suppose the train is late again.”
• “I suppose we could take the later bus.”
• “You are supposed to hand this in on Monday.”

Good to know

I suppose (that) + clause. be supposed to = expected to. Hypothesis: suppose / supposing. Without proof: assume.

Near in meaning

assume

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