posit

IPA/ˈpɒzɪt/
KK[pˈɑzət]IPA/ˈpɑːzɪt/

posit — verb

  • positpresent simple I / you / we / they
  • positshe / she / it
  • positedpast simple
  • positing-ing form

1. to treat an idea as a starting point for explaining or arguing about something

1.動詞及物C2
釋義

to treat an idea as a starting point for explaining or arguing about something

例句

In her article, Ada posits trust as the basis of friendship.

posit + object + as + complement in formal argument

The report posits that early stress can shape later memory.

posit + that-clause for a reasoned claim

同義詞
  • assume

    broader and more common, often less formal

  • postulate

    more technical and often used in logic or science

  • propose

    focuses on offering an explanation for others to consider

反義詞
  • question

    tests or doubts the starting idea

  • reject

    refuses to accept the idea as a basis

文法句型

posit that + clause

posit + noun + as + complement

用法筆記

Common in formal writing about theories or arguments. It often introduces a that-clause or a noun treated as the starting point of later reasoning.

常見錯誤

The article posited the books on the shelf.
The article posited a link between the books.
💡In this sense, posit means setting up an idea, not physically placing an object.

2. to put something in a steady place so it stays where you want it

2.動詞及物C2
釋義

to put something in a steady place so it stays where you want it

例句

Eli posited the ladder against the wall before painting the ceiling.

posit + object + against + noun

The nurse carefully posited the pillow under Rosa's injured knee.

同義詞
  • place

    the normal everyday verb for putting something somewhere

  • set

    often used when the object is put down carefully

  • position

    emphasizes exact arrangement or placement

反義詞
  • remove

    takes the object away from its position

  • lift

    raises the object instead of setting it in place

文法句型

posit + object + against/on/under + noun

用法筆記

Rare in modern everyday English and mostly seen in formal or technical descriptions of placing objects. The object is usually followed by a phrase naming the exact position.

常見錯誤

She posited the cup on the table for dinner.
She set the cup on the table for dinner.
💡For ordinary everyday placement, place or set is much more natural than posit.