presume

/pɹɪˈzuːm/ formal

Say it: pri-ZOOM

1. verb To suppose that something is the case on the basis of probability, without conclusive proof.
Since you've been quiet, I presume you agree with the plan.
2. verb To take for granted as a basis for action or argument.
The legal system presumes innocence until guilt is proven.
3. verb To be audacious enough to do something; to take an unwarranted liberty.
He was the only one who would presume to question the manager's decision.

📖 Seen in the wild

We must not presume guilt until all the evidence has been presented.
collected by @vocablast

✏️ presume in a sentence

The article presumes that its readers are already familiar with the basic concepts of economics.
Based on the empty driveway, we presumed they were not at home.
May I presume to offer a suggestion?
Investigators presume the cause of the crash was mechanical failure, pending a full review.
We can't presume a link between the two events without more data.
In his letter, he presumed on their friendship by asking for a large loan.
The new policy presumes that all employees have access to a reliable internet connection at home.

🔁 Synonyms & antonyms

assume suppose surmise infer conjecture gather take for granted dare

assume · implies taking something as true with little or no evidence, whereas presume suggests a basis in probability.

suppose · often involves putting forward an idea for consideration, sometimes hypothetically.

surmise · suggests forming a conclusion from very limited or incomplete evidence; a more formal 'guess'.

infer · means to deduce something from evidence and reasoning rather than from explicit statements.

Opposites: know, prove, confirm, ascertain, verify

🌱 Where it comes from

The word 'presume' comes from the Latin 'praesumere', meaning 'to take beforehand'. It's a combination of 'prae' (before) and 'sumere' (to take). This idea of 'taking' something as true 'before' you have all the facts directly evolved into its modern meaning of making a supposition based on probability.

🧩 How it's used

Common patterns:

presume someone is innocentpresume to knowit is reasonable to presumepresume to give advicedare to presume

The key distinction to remember is between 'presume' and 'assume'. Use 'presume' when your conclusion is based on some evidence or past experience, making it a logical inference. Use 'assume' for a belief you hold without proof, which might be more of a leap of faith. Be careful not to confuse 'presume' with its cousin 'presumptuous', which is always negative and means 'arrogant' or 'overstepping one's bounds'.

Word family: presumption, presumably, presumptive, presumptuous

💬 Quick answers

What does 'presume' mean?

To presume means to suppose something is true based on probability, but without having firm proof. It can also mean to take the liberty of doing something that might be considered bold or overstepping.

What's the difference between 'presume' and 'assume'?

'Presume' suggests your belief is based on some evidence or likelihood, making it a more reasoned guess. 'Assume' can be a guess with no evidence at all, more like taking something for granted.

Is 'presume' a formal word?

Yes, 'presume' is generally considered a formal word. In casual conversation, people are more likely to use 'guess', 'suppose', or 'assume'.

What does it mean to 'presume to do something'?

This phrase means to dare to do something that might be seen as impolite, bold, or beyond your authority. It's often used in polite, slightly self-deprecating questions like, 'May I presume to ask?'

1 word nerd collected it V

Want "presume" to actually stick?

Save it to your own vault, let AI explain it, practice till it's yours.

Start for free →