suppositions

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "suppositions" is correct and usable in written English.
It is a noun which means a belief or idea that is based on probability but has not been proved. You can use it in a variety of contexts, such as in academic writing, formal fiction, and everyday conversation. For example: "We can only make suppositions about why the company chose this route, but it does appear to be the most efficient choice."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Admittedly, Buridan explicitly restricts appellation to appellative terms, that is, "every term connoting something other than what it supposits for" (Summulae de Dialiectica: Treatise on Suppositions, tr. Klima, p. 291), and it "appellates that which it connotes as pertaining to that which it supposits for".

SEP

In §3 we examine what is called the suppositional theory: that conditional judgements essentially involve suppositions.

SEP

You have chosen sound-bites that support your weak reasoning, yet others contradict all your suppositions.

The Economist

The BBC broadcast an interview in which two former 777 captains gave air to their suppositions.

The Economist

Thus were reasonable, though wrong, intelligence suppositions reborn as erroneous facts.

The Economist

I had broken through the threshold of night, beyond which sleep would not come only a rapid stream of thoughts and disconnected suppositions".

The Economist

We want to assure The Economist's readers, our subscribers and the market at large that, contrary to your publication's suppositions, our price assessments for the Urals market, both then and now, reflect the realities of the global marketplace, not the alleged intentions of one company.LARRY NEAL President, Platts New York.

The Economist

With the methods of Apollonius and a few infinitesimals, an inspired geometer showed that the laws regarding both area and ellipse can be derived from the suppositions that bodies free from all forces either rest or travel uniformly in straight lines and that each planet constantly falls toward the Sun with an acceleration that depends only on the distance between their centres.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Scholars of previous generations tried to identify these names with important historical figures e.g., Amraphel with Hammurabi of Babylon but little remains today of these suppositions.

Encyclopedia Britannica

When considerations such as these are taken into account, the suppositions that mental differences do not turn on functional ones, and that functional identity might not entail mental identity, seem much less secure.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A spokesman for the Association of Chief Police Officers (Acpo) claimed the report contains "suppositions" and "inaccuracies which the police service and our partners would question".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing the foundation of an argument, clearly state the "suppositions" upon which it rests to ensure transparency and allow for critical evaluation.

Common error

Avoid presenting "suppositions" as definitive truths. Always differentiate between what is assumed and what has been proven to maintain credibility and avoid misleading your audience.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "suppositions" is as a noun, specifically the plural form. It functions as the object of a verb, the subject of a sentence, or as a complement. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable status in English, functioning as a noun.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

37%

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

12%

Social Media

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "suppositions" functions as a noun to denote beliefs or assumptions, particularly as starting points in reasoning. Ludwig AI confirms its validity in written English. It appears frequently in academic, scientific, and news contexts, signaling a neutral to formal register. When using "suppositions", ensure clarity by distinguishing them from proven facts and stating them explicitly. Consider alternatives like "assumptions" or "hypotheses" depending on the context. Remember, according to Ludwig's examples, "suppositions" play a key role in expressing ideas and providing a foundation for arguments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

assumptions

Emphasizes a belief taken for granted, often without proof.

hypotheses

Suggests a tentative explanation used as a basis for further investigation.

conjectures

Implies forming an opinion or supposition about something based on incomplete information.

speculations

Highlights the act of forming theories or educated guesses about something without firm evidence.

surmises

Indicates a belief based on intuition or limited evidence.

presumptions

Highlights an assumption that is taken for granted beforehand.

theories

Suggests a comprehensive explanation of some aspect of the natural world; a well-substantiated explanation acquired through the scientific method and repeatedly tested and confirmed through observation and experimentation.

beliefs

Refers to a feeling of certainty about what someone or something is like or the truth of something.

notions

Suggests an individual's conception or belief about something.

guesses

Implies an estimate or conjecture, especially one based on little or no information.

FAQs

How can I use "suppositions" in a sentence?

You can use "suppositions" to refer to ideas or beliefs assumed to be true, especially when forming an argument. For example, "Their argument relies on several key "assumptions"", or "Let's examine the underlying "beliefs" before drawing conclusions".

What words are similar to "suppositions"?

Alternatives to "suppositions" include "assumptions", "hypotheses", "conjectures", and "speculations". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "assumptions" or "suppositions"?

"Assumptions" and "suppositions" are largely interchangeable, but "assumptions" often implies a more subconscious or taken-for-granted belief, while "suppositions" might suggest a more deliberate consideration. Choose the word that best fits the context. Consider also alternatives like "presumptions" or "theories".

What's the difference between "suppositions" and "hypotheses"?

While both involve uncertain ideas, "hypotheses" are typically used in a scientific context, representing a testable explanation for a phenomenon. "Suppositions" are broader and can apply to any area of thought or belief. Other options include "surmises", "guesses" or "notions".