presumptive

[ pri-zuhmp-tiv ]

adjective

1. affording ground for belief or presumption:

   presumptive evidence.

2. based on likelihood or presumption:

   a presumptive title; the presumptive nominee.

3. regarded as such by presumption; based on inference; assumed:

   a presumptive case of pneumonia.

4. Embryology. pertaining to the part of an embryo that, in the course of normal development, will predictably become a particular structure or region.

presumptive

/ prɪˈzʌmptɪv /

adjective

1. based on presumption or probability
2. affording reasonable ground for belief
3. of or relating to embryonic tissues that become differentiated into a particular tissue or organ

   presumptive epidermis

Derived Forms

• preˈsumptively, adverb
• preˈsumptiveness, noun

Other Words From

• pre·sumptive·ly adverb
• nonpre·sumptive adjective
• nonpre·sumptive·ly adverb
• over·pre·sumptive adjective
• over·pre·sumptive·ly adverb
• unpre·sumptive adjective
• unpre·sumptive·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of presumptive¹

From the Late Latin word praesūmptīvus, dating back to 1555–65. See presumption, -ive

Example Sentences

Trevor Lawrence, the former Clemson star quarterback and presumptive top overall selection in the 2021 NFL draft—which begins Thursday—has had one hectic month of April.

From Time

In March, the team signed journeyman Ryan Fitzpatrick, who had played for eight different teams in his 16-year NFL career, as its presumptive starting quarterback for next season.

From TruthBeTold.news

With Carson Wentz having been traded to the Indianapolis Colts, Hurts is the presumptive starter heading into next season.

From Washington Post

Now he will try to rebuild his career with Reich in Indianapolis while Hurts becomes the presumptive starter in Philadelphia for Nick Sirianni, the former Colts offensive coordinator hired to replace Pederson as the Eagles’ head coach.

From Washington Post

That includes an automatic termination — what’s known as a presumptive firing policy — for all staff found guilty of certain types of sexual misconduct unless the complainant doesn’t want the staff member fired.

From Voice of San Diego

These groups turn out in greater numbers in presidential elections, giving Democrats a presumptive advantage heading into 2016.

From The Daily Beast

The spotlight will soon fix itself on the presumptive Democratic 2016 nominee, whose name, I think, we all know.

From The Daily Beast

Whoever wins that primary will still be an underdog against the presumptive Democratic nominee, Rep. Bruce Braley.

From The Daily Beast

The presumptive Democratic nominee is Rep. Bruce Braley, a four-term congressman from northeast Iowa.

From The Daily Beast

Her presumptive Republican opponent, Attorney General Greg Abbott, has already raised nearly $21 million.

From The Daily Beast

More or less presumptive evidence may be adduced for a yet more specific dating.

From Project Gutenberg

And that warrants you in sending me to tilt against this foolish heir-presumptive windmill.

From Project Gutenberg

Emanuel Geibel presented himself as heir presumptive to the mantle of Heine.

From Project Gutenberg

This being regarded as presumptive evidence of guilt, Wenham's persecutors brought her to trial.

From Project Gutenberg

Would not it be said by my presumptive remorse that, by my gallantry, manner and dress, I was going to seduce her?

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• probable