suppose

1 verb (T)

1 be supposed to do sth

a) used when saying what someone should or should not do, especially because of rules or what someone in authority has said: You're supposed to ask the teacher if you want to leave the classroom. | We're not supposed to smoke here.

b) used when saying what people intended should happen, especially when it failed to happen: The new laws are supposed to prevent crime. | The meeting was supposed to take place on Tuesday, but we've had to postpone it.

2 be supposed to be sth to be believed to be something by many people: The castle is supposed to be haunted. | `Dirty Harry' is supposed to be one of Eastwood's best films.

3 to think that something is probably true, based on what you know: There were many more deaths than was first supposed. | suppose (that): What makes you suppose we're going to sell the house? | be generally supposed (=most people think that something was probably fine): Mr Tyke was generally supposed to have left the country. | There is no reason to suppose (that) (=used to say that you think something is unlikely): There's no reason to suppose her new book will be any better than her last one.

4 formal to expect that something will happen and base your plans on it: The company's plan supposes a steady increase in orders.

5 I suppose especially BrE

a) used to say you think something is true, although you are uncertain about it: I suppose (that): I suppose he could have shot himself, but where would he have got the gun? | I suppose Philip will be late, as usual.

b) used when agreeing to let someone do something, especially unwillingly: I suppose so: “Can we come with you?” “Oh, I suppose so.”

c) used when guessing that something is true: She looked about 50, I suppose.

d) used when saying in an angry way that you expect something is true: I suppose (that): I suppose you thought you were being smart!

e) used to say that you think that something is probably true, although you wish it was not and hope someone will tell you it is not: I suppose (that): I suppose it's too late to apply for that job now.

6 suppose/supposing used to ask someone to imagine what would happen if a particular situation existed: Look, suppose you lost your job tomorrow, what would you do?

7 I don't suppose (that) especially BrE

a) used to ask for something in a very polite way: I don't suppose you'd give me a lift to the station?

b) used to say that you think it is unlikely something will happen: I don't suppose I'll ever see her again.

8 who/what etc do you suppose used to ask someone who, what etc they think did something, is something etc: Who on earth do you suppose could have done this?

9 what's that supposed to mean? used when you are annoyed by what someone has just said: “I'll bear your offer in mind.” “Bear it in mind! What's that supposed to mean?”

2 conjunction especially spoken

1 used when imagining what the result would be if something happened; supposing: suppose (that): It's not worth the risk, suppose your mother found out?

2 informal used to suggest something; supposing: Suppose we try to sort this out before we go.