suppose

sup|pose [ sə`pouz ] verb transitive ***

1. ) to believe that something is probably true, based on your experience, your knowledge, and any other information that you have:

She was about 35, Dexter supposed.

The game was not as one-sided as we had supposed.

suppose (that): I suppose she must be delighted about getting the job.

Scientists can only suppose that the illness is caused by a virus.

be popularly/commonly/generally etc. supposed (=many people believe it is true): Older people can learn much more quickly than is commonly supposed.

reason to suppose (that): We have no reason to suppose that he's done anything illegal.

There was good reason to suppose that she had left the country.

suppose someone to be something: She was accompanied by a man whom we supposed to be her husband.

a ) to think that something is possible, although you do not definitely know if it is:

suppose (that): I suppose we could afford a new car.

You don't suppose that he's going to hurt anyone, do you?

b ) to think that something is true or right, although you are not very happy about this:

suppose (that): I suppose I had better get back to work.

Sarah supposed that she could stay with her parents if all else failed.

2. ) FORMAL to expect that something is true or will happen: ASSUME:

suppose (that): The law supposes that parents know what is best for their children.

3. ) SPOKEN used in expressions such as I suppose you think that's funny! when you want to show that you are angry with someone:

I suppose you realize you've ruined the carpet?

be supposed to do/be something

1. ) to be expected to behave in a particular way, especially according to a rule, an agreement, or someone in authority:

You're supposed to make a copy of the contract before you mail it.

Am I supposed to be at the meeting on Tuesday?

This isn't what we're supposed to be discussing.

2. ) to be generally expected or considered to have a particular quality or skill:

Latin America is supposed to be a pretty inexpensive place to travel.

This restaurant is supposed to make excellent salads.

3. ) to be expected or intended to happen in a particular way or have a particular result:

The new regulations are supposed to help single parents.

Today was supposed to have been sunny, but it's raining.

I don't suppose SPOKEN

1. ) used as a polite way of making a request or asking a question, when you are not sure that you will get a positive answer:

I don't suppose you'd be willing to take me to the airport?

I don't suppose you know her phone number, do you?

2. ) used for saying that something is unlikely:

I don't suppose we'll ever be rich.

I suppose (so) SPOKEN

1. ) used for showing that you mainly agree with something but you have some doubts about it:

I think their new building is really impressive. Well, I suppose so.

2. ) used when you agree to do something but you are not completely willing or enthusiastic about it:

Could you loan me £50? Yes, I suppose.

let us suppose

used for telling someone to imagine that something is true, so that you can discuss a possible situation or its results:

Let us suppose that we could live anywhere we want.

suppose/supposing (that)

1. ) used for introducing a possible situation or action and the results of it:

Suppose you won the lottery, what would you do with the money?

2. ) used for suggesting something:

Hey, suppose we stop for a lunch break now?

what's that supposed to mean? SPOKEN

used when you are annoyed or offended by something that someone has just said:

I just assumed you wouldn't know. Well, what's that supposed to mean?

who/what/where etc. do you suppose? SPOKEN

used for asking someone what they think about something:

Why do you suppose he's so angry?

What do you suppose will happen now?