Presupposition
Definition, Meaning & Examples
Pronunciation /pɹiː.sʌ.pəˈzɪ.ʃ(ə)n/ · Part of speech noun
Quick meaning: Presupposition is a noun meaning An assumption made beforehand; a preliminary conjecture or speculation.
Meaning
An assumption made beforehand; a preliminary conjecture or speculation.
More Meanings
- The act of presupposing.
- (linguistics) An assumption or belief implicit in an utterance or other use of language.
Example Sentences
He made one cardinal error in his presuppositions about the relation between language and perception, but in this he was far from alone.
For instance: a verb might convey someone's evaluation of it as a presupposition. To say ‘they deprived him of a visit to his parents’ presupposes that he wanted to visit (vs. ‘spare him a visit...’).
Word Forms
- presuppositions
Synonyms for presupposition
Depending on context, synonyms include assumption, conjecture, presumption, precondition, given.
Related Words
Related dictionary entries include presumption, given, precondition, supposition, assumption, premise.
Related Dictionary Tools
Sources & Attribution
FreeDictionaryAPI.com / Wiktionary · Original source · CC BY-SA 4.0
Dictionary data is provided by FreeDictionaryAPI.com and sourced from Wiktionary under its stated license.