presume

[ pri-zoom ]

verb (used with object)

, pre·sumed, pre·sum·ing.

1. to take for granted, assume, or suppose:

   I presume you're tired after your drive.

   Synonyms: presuppose

2. Law. to assume as true in the absence of proof to the contrary.
3. to undertake with unwarrantable boldness.
4. to undertake (to do something) without right or permission:

   to presume to speak for another.

verb (used without object)

, pre·sumed, pre·sum·ing.

1. to take something for granted; suppose.
2. to act or proceed with unwarrantable or impertinent boldness.

   Synonyms: overstep

3. to go too far in acting unwarrantably or in taking liberties (usually followed by on or upon ):

   Do not presume upon his tolerance.

presume

/ prɪˈzjuːmɪdlɪ; prɪˈzjuːm /

verb

1. when tr, often takes a clause as object to take (something) for granted; assume
2. when tr, often foll by an infinitive to take upon oneself (to do something) without warrant or permission; dare

   do you presume to copy my work?

3. intr; foll by on or upon to rely or depend

   don't presume on his agreement

4. law to take as proved until contrary evidence is produced

Derived Forms

• preˈsumingly, adverb
• preˈsumer, noun
• preˈsuming, adjective
• presumedly, adverb

Other Words From

• pre·sum·ed·ly [pri-, zoo, -mid-lee], adverb
• pre·sumer noun
• unpre·sumed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of presume¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English presumen, from Old French presumer, from Latin praesūmere “to take beforehand” (in Late Latin: “to take for granted, assume, dare”), from prae- pre- + sūmere “to take up” ( consume )

Word History and Origins

Origin of presume¹

C14: via Old French from Latin praesūmere to take in advance, from prae before + sūmere to assume

Example Sentences

Finally, on 5 November, the court declared it had no option but to “presume” that no such ban notification exists and therefore couldn’t assess its validity.

From BBC

To presume otherwise would be to pretend that, in the glow of victory, the petty tyrants of Trumpworld are summoning a nobility of spirit that, as far as I can tell, they haven’t manifested once in the past decade.

From Slate

Employers should not presume the accusation is either true or false, says Acas.

From BBC

You said at one point that you presume people understand the science.

From Salon

I don't presume that they understand the science.

From Salon

Related Words

• assume
• count on
• guess
• infer
• pretend
• suppose
• surmise