To assume or hypothesize based on probability rather than certainty.
Word in 30 Seconds
- To believe something is true without evidence.
- Used to make logical guesses or hypotheses.
- Commonly followed by 'que' for subordinate clauses.
Aperçu
Le verbe 'supposer' appartient au langage courant et formel. Il exprime une conviction basée sur des indices ou une simple intuition. C'est un outil essentiel pour structurer la pensée logique et le raisonnement en français. 2) Modèles d'utilisation : 'Supposer' est généralement suivi d'une proposition subordonnée introduite par 'que' (ex: Je suppose qu'il viendra). Il peut aussi être utilisé avec un nom ou un pronom (ex: On suppose une erreur). À la forme passive, il est très fréquent pour exprimer une croyance générale (ex: Il est supposé être arrivé). 3) Contextes courants : On l'utilise fréquemment dans des situations professionnelles pour émettre des hypothèses sur un projet, ou dans la vie quotidienne pour deviner les intentions de quelqu'un. Il sert aussi à marquer une certaine prudence : on ne confirme pas, on émet une supposition. 4) Comparaison : Contrairement à 'croire', qui exprime une conviction intime, 'supposer' implique une démarche intellectuelle plus proche de l'hypothèse. 'Présumer' est un synonyme plus soutenu, souvent utilisé dans un contexte juridique ou formel, tandis que 'penser' est beaucoup plus neutre et général.
Examples
Je suppose qu'il va pleuvoir.
everydayI assume it is going to rain.
Nous supposons que le projet sera terminé à temps.
formalWe assume the project will be finished on time.
Tu supposes quoi ?
informalWhat do you suppose?
L'auteur suppose une influence majeure du contexte social.
academicThe author assumes a major influence of the social context.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
Je suppose que oui.
I suppose so.
On peut supposer que...
One can assume that...
Sans supposer le pire.
Without assuming the worst.
Often Confused With
Censé means 'supposed to' as in an obligation or expectation. Supposer is the act of guessing.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Supposer is a neutral to formal verb. It is widely used in both speech and writing. It is a very useful verb for expressing uncertainty or logical deduction.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use 'supposer' where they should use 'censé' for obligations. Also, ensure you don't use the subjunctive mood incorrectly after 'supposer' in affirmative sentences.
Tips
Use with 'que' for clarity
Always use 'que' when following 'supposer' with a full sentence. This helps separate your assumption from the main clause.
Avoid confusing with 'supposed to'
In English, 'I am supposed to' means an obligation. In French, 'Je suis supposé' is less common; use 'Je suis censé' for obligations.
Politeness and nuance
French speakers often use 'supposer' to avoid being too direct or confrontational. It softens a statement by presenting it as a mere hypothesis.
Word Origin
Derived from the Latin 'supponere', which means to place under. It evolved into the French 'supposer' to mean placing an idea as a basis for reasoning.
Cultural Context
In French culture, using 'supposer' shows a degree of intellectual modesty. It avoids appearing arrogant by claiming absolute knowledge.
Memory Tip
Think of 'suppose' as 'sub-pose'—putting an idea underneath your argument to support it. It is a guess that sits below the surface of facts.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsNon, 'supposer' implique justement l'absence de preuve. Si le fait est prouvé, préférez le verbe 'constater' ou 'savoir'.
'Imaginer' porte une dimension créative ou fictive plus forte. 'Supposer' reste ancré dans une logique de probabilité.
Non, il est généralement suivi de l'indicatif car il exprime une opinion perçue comme une probabilité réelle. Le subjonctif est rare sauf à la forme négative ou interrogative.
On dira simplement 'Je suppose' ou 'J'imagine'.
Test Yourself
Complétez la phrase.
Je ___ qu'il a oublié son rendez-vous.
Le sujet 'Je' demande la conjugaison au présent de l'indicatif.
🎉 Score: /1
Summary
To assume or hypothesize based on probability rather than certainty.
- To believe something is true without evidence.
- Used to make logical guesses or hypotheses.
- Commonly followed by 'que' for subordinate clauses.
Use with 'que' for clarity
Always use 'que' when following 'supposer' with a full sentence. This helps separate your assumption from the main clause.
Avoid confusing with 'supposed to'
In English, 'I am supposed to' means an obligation. In French, 'Je suis supposé' is less common; use 'Je suis censé' for obligations.
Politeness and nuance
French speakers often use 'supposer' to avoid being too direct or confrontational. It softens a statement by presenting it as a mere hypothesis.
Examples
4 of 4Je suppose qu'il va pleuvoir.
I assume it is going to rain.
Nous supposons que le projet sera terminé à temps.
We assume the project will be finished on time.
Tu supposes quoi ?
What do you suppose?
L'auteur suppose une influence majeure du contexte social.
The author assumes a major influence of the social context.
Related Content
Related Phrases
Related Vocabulary
More academic words
aborder
B1To approach a topic or problem; to deal with.
abstrait
A2Existing in thought or as an idea but not having a physical or concrete existence.
abstraitement
B2In an abstract manner; conceptually.
académique
A2Relating to education and scholarship.
académiquement
B2In an academic manner; in relation to academic matters.
accent
A2A distinctive mode of pronunciation of a language.
à cet égard
A2In this respect; regarding this matter.
à condition que
A2On condition that; provided that (followed by subjunctive).
adéquat
A2Satisfactory or acceptable in quality or quantity.
adhérer
A2To adhere or to join; to stick fast to a surface or substance.
