Posit
/ˈpɑzɪt/
verbC1
Definition
To posit is to say or suggest something as a fact or idea, especially when you want others to consider it carefully. It is often used when someone offers a theory or explanation that may not be completely proven yet but is important to discuss.
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See It in Action
To suggest or propose an idea or explanation
- •The scientist posited a new theory about climate change.
- •She posited that the problem was caused by a lack of communication.
- •Philosophers often posit different ideas about human nature.
To assume something as true for the purpose of argument or discussion
- •Let us posit that everyone agrees on the facts before we continue.
- •The essay posits that technology changes society in many ways.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "posit" like "say" or "think," but more formal and used when you want to introduce an idea for discussion or study
- ✓Picture a teacher or scientist putting a new idea on a board for everyone to look at and think about
- ✓It's the feeling when you carefully share a guess or explanation to help others understand or explore a problem
- ✓Sounds like "PAHZ-it" → imagine pausing to put a thought in the center of attention, like placing a post-it note on a wall to mark an important idea
- ✓Think of a detective who posits a theory about who did it before finding all the evidence
- ✓NOT like "know" (which means you are sure), "posit" means you suggest or propose something that might be true
- ✓NOT like "guess" (which is informal and less serious), "posit" is more careful and formal, often used in science or philosophy
Try Other Words
- •Propose: to put forward an idea or plan (Use when you want to offer an idea formally)
- •Assume: to accept something as true without proof (Use when you want to take something as true for argument)
- •Claim: to say something is true, often strongly (Use when someone states an idea with confidence but without full proof)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: root "posit" from Latin "positus," meaning "placed" or "put"
- •Etymology: From Latin "ponere" meaning "to place" or "to put," through past participle "positus"
- •Historical development: Used in English since the 17th century to mean "to place an idea or statement forward"
- •Modern usage: Common in academic, scientific, and philosophical language to introduce theories or assumptions
Reflect & Connect
•How does positing an idea help people learn or solve problems?
•Can you think of a time when you posited an idea that others later agreed with or disagreed with?
Fill in the blanks
1.When writing her essay, she decided to posit that the main cause of the problem was ___ communication.
2.Scientists often posit new theories ___ they do not have all the evidence yet.
3.To start the discussion, let's posit that everyone ___ the basic facts.
4.Unlike guessing, to posit means to ___ an idea carefully and seriously.
5.The philosopher posited that human nature is ___ by both biology and experience.
6.When you posit an idea, you usually want others to ___ and think about it.
7.The lawyer posited a new explanation for the event to ___ the case.