suppose

I guess and I expect; I suppose; I suspect 

1. a phrase that introduces a supposition. (Frequently, in speech, suppose is reduced to 'spose, and expect and suspect are reduced to 'spect. The apostrophe is not always shown.) Bob: I guess it's going to rain. Bill: Oh, I don't know. Maybe so, maybe not. Alice: I expect you'll be wanting to leave pretty soon. John: Why? It's early yet.

2. a vague way of answering 'yes'. John: You want some more coffee? Jane: I 'spose. Alice: Ready to go? John: I spect.

See also: guess

I guess (so). and I believe so.; I expect (so).; I suppose (so).; I suspect (so).; I think so.

a vague expression of assent. (Frequently, in speech, suppose is reduced to 'spose, and expect and suspect are reduced to 'spect. The apostrophe is not always shown.) Tom: Will it rain today? Bob: I suppose so. Sue: Happy? Bill: I 'spect. Sue: You don't sound happy. Bill: I guess not.

See also: guess

I guess not. and (I) don't think so.; I expect not.; I suppose not.; I suspect not.; I think not.

a vague statement of negation. (More polite or gentle than simply saying no. Frequently, in speech, suppose is reduced to 'spose, and expect and suspect are reduced to 'spect. The apostrophe is not always shown.) Bill: It's almost too late to go to the movie. Shall we try anyway? Mary: I guess not. Tom: Will it rain? Mary: I 'spect not.

See also: guess

Suppose I do? and Supposing I do?

Inf. And what does it matter if I do? What are you going to do about it? Alice: Do you really think it's right to do something like that? Sue: Suppose I do? Fred: Are you going to drive up into the mountains as you said you would? Sally: Supposing I do? Fred: I'm just asking.

Suppose I don't? and Supposing I don't?

Inf. And what will happen if I don't? (Said as a sort of threat. Not usually with question intonation.) Bill: You'd better get yourself over to the main office. Tom: Suppose I don't? Father: You simply must do better in school. Tom: Supposing I don't? Father: Your clothing and personal belongings will be placed on the curb for the garbage pickup, and we will have the locks changed. Next question.