presumption

American  

[pri-zuhmp-shuhn] / prɪˈzʌmp ʃən /

noun

1. the act of presuming. presuming.

2. assumption of something as true.

3. belief on reasonable grounds or probable evidence.

4. something that is presumed; an assumption.

5. a ground or reason for presuming presuming or believing.

6. Law. an inference required or permitted by law as to the existence of one fact from proof of the existence of other facts.

7. an assumption, often not fully established, that is taken for granted in some piece of reasoning.

8. unwarrantable, unbecoming, or impertinent boldness.

   Synonyms:

   gall, arrogance, effrontery, audacity

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presumption British  

/ prɪˈzʌmpʃən /

noun

1. the act of presuming

2. bold or insolent behaviour or manners

3. a belief or assumption based on reasonable evidence

4. a ground or basis on which to presume

5. law an inference of the truth of a fact from other facts proved, admitted, or judicially noticed

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Other Word Forms

• overpresumption noun

Etymology

Origin of presumption

1175–1225; Middle English: effrontery, supposition < Latin praesūmptiōn- (stem of praesūmptiō ) anticipation, supposition, Late Latin: presumptuousness, equivalent to praesūmpt ( us ) (past participle of praesūmere to undertake beforehand; presume ) + -iōn- -ion

Example Sentences

Whether Reece James, John Stones and Tino Livramento are fit enough to play every four days is a big presumption, of course.

From BBC • Mar. 29, 2026

No synopsis of the action is offered in the printed program, and Mr. Millepied’s presumption that his audience is aware of the tragedy’s plot seems reasonable.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 9, 2026

Cannon asserted that doing so here would violate “the presumption of innocence held sacrosanct in our constitutional order,” but that is nonsense.

From Slate • Feb. 26, 2026

Moira responds to her adult son’s certain presumption that parents are supposed to put their children first with a firm dismissal.

From Salon • Feb. 4, 2026

“Let me be rightly understood. This match, to which you have the presumption to aspire, can never take place. No, never. Mr. Darcy is engaged to my daughter. Now what have you to say?”

From "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen

Related Words

• assumption
• likelihood
• premise
• supposition
• suspicion