Presupposition

C1 16+

Pronunciation: /ˌpriːsəˈpəzɪʃən/

Definitions of presupposition

noun a thing tacitly assumed beforehand at the beginning of a line of argument or course of action

Example Sentences

A1 A presupposition is something that is assumed to be true before starting a conversation.

A2 In basic language learning, understanding presuppositions can help improve communication skills.

B1 When writing an argumentative essay, it is important to be aware of the presuppositions underlying your points.

B2 Literary analysis often involves identifying and analyzing the presuppositions present in a text.

C1 Philosophers frequently debate the validity of different presuppositions in their theories.

C2 Understanding the presuppositions of a scientific theory is crucial for evaluating its implications and applications.

Examples of presupposition in a Sentence

formal The success of the project is based on the presupposition that all team members will fulfill their roles effectively.

informal Don't make the presupposition that everyone will agree with your idea without discussing it first.

slang You can't just roll with the presupposition that everything will work out without putting in the effort.

figurative The presupposition that money can buy happiness is often proven wrong by those who have everything but still feel empty inside.

Grammatical Forms of presupposition

past tense

presupposed

plural

presuppositions

comparative

more presupposed

superlative

most presupposed

present tense

presupposes

future tense

will presuppose

perfect tense

has presupposed

continuous tense

is presupposing

singular

presupposition

positive degree

presuppose

infinitive

to presuppose

gerund

presupposing

participle

presupposing

Origin and Evolution of presupposition

First Known Use: 1250 year
Language of Origin: Latin
Story behind the word: The word 'presupposition' has its origins in Latin, specifically from the combination of the prefix 'pre-' meaning before, and the verb 'supponere' meaning to place under or to assume.
Evolution of the word: Initially used in a philosophical context to refer to assumptions made prior to an argument or discussion, the term 'presupposition' has evolved to be widely used in various fields such as linguistics, psychology, and communication to refer to implicit assumptions or beliefs that underlie a statement or argument.