be supposed to
idiom
1
: to be expected to do something
They are supposed to arrive tomorrow.
She was supposed to be here an hour ago.
The movie was supposed to earn a lot of money at the box office, but it didn't.
2
: to be intended or expected to be something
The party was supposed to be a surprise.
3
—used to show that one is angry or offended by something
Was that supposed to be funny? I thought it was quite rude.
"Well, you've done it again." "What's that supposed to mean?"
4
—used to say what someone should do
You are supposed to listen to your parents.
I'm supposed to clean my room before I go outside.
What are we supposed to do in a situation like this?
Do what you're supposed to.
5
—used to refer to what someone is allowed to do
We were not supposed to leave the room.
Are you supposed to be here after the building has closed?
6
—used to indicate what people say about someone or something
"I heard that she's good." "She is supposed to be the best doctor in town."
That breed of dog is supposed to be good with kids.
The word is supposed to be derived from Latin.
Dictionary Entries Near be supposed to
Cite this Entry
“Be supposed to.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/be%20supposed%20to. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share