Definition of supposition

The word "supposition" originated in Middle English during the 14th century. It came from the Old French "supposer," which meant "to presume" or "to suppose." The French word itself originated from the Latin "supponere," which translates to "to place beneath" or "beneath" as well. In Latin, "supponere" had three distinct meanings. It could mean "to place underneath," "to presume," or "to suppose." The Middle English "supposer" originally only carried the meaning of "to presume," but as time passed, it began to be used to mean "to suppose" or "to assume" as well. The modern meaning of "supposition" has evolved over time. It now generally refers to a theoretical or imaginary situation, idea, or premise that is used to make an inference or draw a conclusion. In logic and philosophy, it often refers to an unproven or hypothetical assumption that is made in order to reason or make a logical argument. In short, the word "supposition" is derived from the Middle English "supposer," which came from the Old French "supposer" that, in turn, came from the Latin "supponere." Today, it carries multiple meanings, but it essentially refers to an assumed or imagined state or belief that is used to make a deduction or draw a conclusion.