Meaning of suppose In English

• 0 to think that something is likely to be true:

  • [ + (that) ] Dan didn't answer his phone, so I suppose (that) he's busy.

  • He found it a lot more difficult to get a job than he supposed it would be.

  • [ + (that) ] Do you suppose (that) Gillian will marry him?

  • It is widely supposed (that) the CEO will be forced to resign.

  • [ + to infinitive ] We all supposed him to be German, but in fact he was Swiss.

  • Her new book is supposed to be (= generally people think it is) very good.

  • I suppose (that) all the tickets will be sold by now.

  • I suppose (that) you're going to be late again.

  • I suppose (that) you think that's funny. Well, I certainly don't.

  • "Can I go out tonight?" "Oh, I suppose so."

  • [ + (that) ] I don't agree with it, but I suppose (that) it's for the best.

  • I don't suppose (that) you could lend me £5 till tomorrow?

• 1 to expect and need:

  • Investment of this kind supposes (= would not be possible without) an increase in the company's profits this year.

• 2 used at the beginning of a sentence or clause to mean 'what would happen if':

  • Suppose we miss the train - what will we do then?

  • We'd love to come and see you on Saturday, supposing (= if) I don't have to work that day.

• 3 to expect or believe:

  • [ I ] "Will you be going with them?" "Yes, I suppose (so)."

  • [ + (that) clause ] "You don’t suppose (that) they forgot about meeting us, do you?"

  • [ T ] I suppose it’s about six months since I last had the brakes checked.

• 4 (used at the beginning of a sentence or clause) what would happen if:

  • Suppose we miss the train – what would we do then?

  • Supposing that you had that opportunity, Mrs. Gallagher, what would you say?