Here's a breakdown of its journey:
Early Origins:
* Latin: "Supponere" (to place under or beneath) was the starting point, and it had various shades of meaning related to placing, substituting, or assuming something.
* Middle English: The word entered English in the 14th century as "suppose," derived from the past participle of "supponere." This early "suppose" held meanings close to the original Latin, implying the act of putting something under consideration or placing something as a basis for thought.
Evolution and Modern Usage:
* 15th-16th centuries: "Suppose" started expanding its meaning to encompass "to assume," "to imagine," and "to believe." This shift reflected a change in how people viewed assumptions and beliefs.
* 16th century: The word "supposed" emerged as the past participle of "suppose," initially used to describe something that was assumed or taken for granted.
* Modern English: "Supposed" retains its sense of assumption and belief, but with a nuanced implication. It often suggests a degree of uncertainty or doubt about the truth of the matter. It can also indicate something that is expected or expected to be true, but not necessarily confirmed.
Interesting Notes:
* "Supposed to": The common phrase "supposed to" emerged as a way to express obligation or expectation, often stemming from an external source like a rule or instruction.
* "Supposedly": This adverb evolved from "supposed" to emphasize the uncertain or assumed nature of a statement, often indicating a lack of concrete evidence.
In essence, "supposed" has traversed a path from its initial literal meaning of "placing under" to a more nuanced representation of assumption, belief, and expectation, reflecting the evolution of how we think about knowledge and certainty.