Presupposes

Part of speech: verb

Definitions

1. Takes for granted that something is true or exists before proving it
2. Acts on the basis that certain conditions or facts are already accepted
3. Implies that a particular idea or situation is accepted prior to further discussion

Etymology: "Presupposes" is the third-person singular form of "presuppose," so the core history belongs to the verb itself. That verb was borrowed from Middle French "presupposer," which in turn came from the Latin "praesupponere," built from "prae" (before) and "supponere" (to place under). The Latin sense is literal: to put something underneath beforehand, as a foundation laid ahead of a structure. The English meaning follows that image closely. To presuppose something is to set it in place as a base that an argument or plan must rest on, so a claim that "the train is late" presupposes that a train was scheduled. The prefix "pre-" does the work of "before," while the root "suppose" has come to mean assume rather than its older sense of placing under.

Synonyms: assumes, presumes, takes for granted, postulates, hypothesizes

Antonyms: disregards, rejects, doubts, denies, questions