1
Core meaning
An assumption taken for granted in advance and treated as a basis for reasoning or discussion.
Example
The argument rests on the presupposition that demand will remain constant.
presupposition
/ˌpriːsʌpəˈzɪʃən/ · pree-sup-uh-ZISH-unnoun
An assumption taken for granted in advance and treated as a basis for reasoning or discussion.
Use presupposition to express this relationship precisely: an assumption taken for granted in advance and treated as a basis for reasoning or discussion.
What presupposition Really Means
The word becomes easier to use when its closely related senses are separated and compared.
2
Common noun frame
Use this noun in a complete noun phrase, adding the complement that identifies what it refers to when needed.
Example
Questioning the policy exposed a hidden presupposition.
3
Analytical distinction
Choose it when this exact concept matters; a related term may describe its cause, evidence, or opposite instead.
Example
The experiment challenges the presupposition that the trait is fixed.
Use presupposition Naturally
Notice how the surrounding noun or clause reveals the exact shade of meaning.
The argument rests on the presupposition that demand will remain constant.
Questioning the policy exposed a hidden presupposition.
The experiment challenges the presupposition that the trait is fixed.
Precision Matters
Presupposition overlaps with several common words, but each carries a different emphasis.
presupposition
vs.Means an assumption taken for granted in advance and treated as a basis for reasoning or discussion.
preconceived
Means formed in advance, before sufficient evidence, knowledge, or direct experience is available.
presupposition
vs.Means an assumption taken for granted in advance and treated as a basis for reasoning or discussion.
empirical
Means based on observation, measurement, or experience rather than theory alone.
presupposition
vs.Means an assumption taken for granted in advance and treated as a basis for reasoning or discussion.
incontrovertible
Means impossible to deny or dispute because the evidence is decisive.
presupposition
vs.Means an assumption taken for granted in advance and treated as a basis for reasoning or discussion.
supposition
Means a belief or assumption accepted as possible or true without conclusive proof.
Test presupposition in Context
The model takes this idea for granted before reasoning from it.
1
The model's central ___ is that consumers always have complete information, an assumption the authors never test.