supposition
UK: ˌsʌpəˈzɪʃ(ə)n | US: ˌsʌpəˈzɪʃ(ə)n
n. 1. An assumption or hypothesis formed without conclusive evidence.
n. 2. The act of supposing; the mental act of considering something as possible.
supposition = sup<under> + pos<place> + ition<noun suffix>
- sup<under>: From Latin sub- (under, below), implying a foundational or underlying idea.
- pos<place>: From Latin ponere (to place), suggesting the act of positioning an idea mentally.
- ition<noun suffix>: Forms abstract nouns indicating an action or state.
Etymology Origin:
Derived from Latin suppositio (a placing under, substitution), via Old French supposicion. The word evolved from the literal sense of "placing beneath" to the abstract notion of "assuming as a basis for reasoning." The morphemes reflect the logic of grounding an idea (pos) hypothetically (sup), formalized into a concept (ition).
His argument was based on mere supposition rather than facts.
The theory remains a supposition until further evidence is found.
She acted on the supposition that he would agree.
Scientific progress often begins with a bold supposition.
The judge dismissed the case due to its reliance on supposition.