supposed

/sə'pouzd/

Friendly

Word: Supposed

Part of Speech: Adjective

Basic Explanation

The word "supposed" is used to describe something that is believed to be true, but without solid evidence. It often implies that something is taken for granted or assumed based on what people think, rather than what is actually known.

Usage Instructions

You can use "supposed" in different contexts to express beliefs or expectations. It often appears before a noun or in phrases that indicate what someone thinks or assumes.

Examples

1. Basic Usage:

   • "The supposed reason for his absence was a family emergency." (This means people think he was absent because of a family emergency, but it might not be true.)

2. In Expectations:

   • "I am supposed to finish my homework by tomorrow." (This means it's expected that I finish my homework by tomorrow.)

Advanced Usage

In more complex sentences, "supposed" can be used to discuss theories or assumptions that lack proof, or to describe obligations.

Word Variants

• Suppose (verb): To think that something is true or possible.

  • Example: "I suppose he will come to the party."

• Supposition (noun): An idea or theory that is believed to be true but not proven.

  • Example: "Her supposition about the outcome was incorrect."

Different Meanings

1. Believed Without Proof: As in the example where people think something is true without evidence.
2. Expected or Required: Used when talking about obligations or what someone should do.

Synonyms

• Assumed
• Presumed
• Believed
• Expected

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

While "supposed" does not have a widely recognized idiom or phrasal verb, you can combine it with other words for phrases: - "Supposed to be": This phrase indicates expectation or obligation. - Example: "He was supposed to be here by now."

Conclusion

Understanding "supposed" helps you communicate thoughts and expectations about what is believed or assumed.

Academic

Adjective

1. based primarily on surmise rather than adequate evidence
   • theories about the extinction of dinosaurs are still highly conjectural
   • the supposed reason for his absence
   • suppositious reconstructions of dead languages
   • hypothetical situation
2. doubtful or suspect
   • these so-called experts are no help
3. mistakenly believed
   • the supposed existence of ghosts
4. required or under orders
   • I'm supposed to be there at ten
   • he was supposed to go to the store

Synonyms

• conjectural
• divinatory
• hypothetical
• hypothetic
• suppositional
• suppositious
• supposititious
• alleged
• so-called
• supposed
• supposed