Presume: meaning, definitions and examples

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presume

[prɪˈzjuːm ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

in a conversation

To presume means to suppose that something is true without having evidence to confirm it. It is often used when making assumptions or jumping to conclusions.

Synonyms

assume, infer, suppose.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
presume	Used when making an educated guess based on certain evidence or reasonable belief, often implying confidence that the guess is correct. I presume that the meeting will start on time since everyone is already here. Given his experience, we can presume he will handle the project well.
assume	Used when accepting something as true without proof or knowing for sure. It’s often more neutral or taken for granted. I assume you already know each other. Let's assume the weather will be good for the picnic.
suppose	Used when making a tentative or hypothetical statement, suggesting uncertainty or a suggestion. I suppose we could try a new restaurant tonight. Suppose we don't find a solution, what will we do?
infer	Used when concluding something based on evidence and reasoning rather than direct statements. It suggests analytical thinking. From your tone, I can infer that you are upset. The data allows us to infer that the strategy is working.

Examples of usage

I presume you have already made a decision.
She presumed he was guilty before hearing all the evidence.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

formal or legal context

In a formal or legal context, to presume means to accept something as true until proven otherwise. It is often used in legal proceedings or official documents.

Synonyms

assume, posit, take for granted.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
presume	Used when making an educated guess based on evidence or probable reasoning but without certainty. I presume you're the new manager, based on your suit and confident manner. They presumed it would rain due to the dark clouds.
assume	Utilized when accepting something as true without proof, often as a basis for action or reasoning. Let's assume that everyone will be on time for the meeting. She assumed the role of leader during the crisis.
posit	Appropriate in formal or academic contexts when suggesting an idea or theory as a basis for argument. The researcher posited a new theory on climate change. They posit that economic growth will continue unabated.
take for granted	Commonly used in everyday conversation to indicate assuming something is true or will happen without appreciating it or considering the consequences. Often carries a negative connotation. Don't take your family for granted; they won't always be there. He took it for granted that his job was safe.

Examples of usage

The law presumes innocence until guilt is proven.
The court presumes the validity of the contract.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'presume' comes from the Latin 'praesumere,' which means 'to take beforehand.'
It has been used in English since the late 14th century, originally meaning 'to take for granted.'
The prefix 'pre-' suggests something is assumed before all evidence is gathered.

Legal Context

In law, the concept of 'presumption' can affect how cases are judged, often applying a default truth until proven otherwise.
The 'presumption of innocence' is a fundamental human right in criminal law, meaning a person is considered innocent until guilty.
Legal presumptions help streamline judicial processes by allowing assumptions based on established facts.

Psychology

Presuming can lead to cognitive biases, where individuals form conclusions based on assumptions instead of evidence.
In social situations, making presumptions about others can affect relationships, leading to misunderstandings.
The Halo Effect is a psychological phenomenon where one positive trait leads to a presumption of other positive traits.

Usage in Literature

Writers often use 'presume' to create tension in narratives by characters making unwarranted assumptions.
In many classic novels, characters assume motives of others without sufficient evidence, challenging their perspectives.
The word frequently appears in dialogue, as it reflects natural human tendencies to judge or speculate.

Cultural Implications

Many cultures emphasize the importance of seeking facts before presuming, promoting open-minded communication.
In storytelling across cultures, characters who presume often face consequences, serving as a cautionary tale.
Cultural sayings often warn against presuming, such as 'Don't judge a book by its cover,' emphasizing the value of deeper understanding.

Translations

Translations of the word "presume" in other languages:

🇵🇹 presumir

🇮🇳 अनुमान लगाना

🇩🇪 annehmen

🇮🇩 mengira

🇺🇦 припускати

🇵🇱 przypuszczać

🇯🇵 仮定する

🇫🇷 présumer

🇪🇸 presumir

🇹🇷 varsaymak

🇰🇷 추정하다

🇸🇦 افترض

🇨🇿 předpokládat

🇸🇰 predpokladať

🇨🇳 假设

🇸🇮 predvidevati

🇮🇸 gera ráð fyrir

🇰🇿 болжамдау

🇬🇪 ვარაუდი

🇦🇿 güman etmək

🇲🇽 presumir

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,844 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.

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6841 coherent
6842 concurrent
6843 distortion
6844 presume
6845 travels
6846 liquids
6847 standardized
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