Presumed: meaning, definitions and examples

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presumed

 

[ prɪˈzjuːmd ]

Verb / Adjective
Context #1 | Verb

in legal context

Suppose that something is the case on the basis of probability. Assume or believe something by inference from known facts. Accept as true without proof.

Synonyms

assume, believe, suppose, take for granted, think.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
presumed

Used when making an educated guess or inference based on available information.

  • She is presumed innocent until proven guilty
assume

Used when taking something for granted without proof, often in the context of forming initial opinions or making decisions.

  • I just assumed you knew what to do
suppose

Used in a conversational manner to indicate a tentative or mild opinion, often suggesting doubt.

  • I suppose we should leave now if we don't want to be late
believe

Used when expressing a strong personal conviction or confidence in something, often without needing concrete evidence.

  • I believe in hard work and dedication
think

Used to express an opinion, belief, or idea, often based on personal reasoning or observation.

  • I think it's going to rain today
take for granted

Used when something is accepted as true or normal without questioning or appreciating it. Often has a negative connotation.

  • Don't take your health for granted

Examples of usage

  • He was presumed innocent until proven guilty.
  • I presumed that you had already left.
Context #2 | Adjective

in usual context

Generally considered or believed to be the case, but not proved or certain.

Synonyms

alleged, assumed, putative, supposed.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
presumed

Used when something is believed to be true based on reasonable evidence but not certain.

  • The missing person is presumed dead.
  • He is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
assumed

Used when something is taken for granted or supposed without proof; often based on personal belief or expectation.

  • I assumed he was coming to the party.
  • They assumed the meeting would be canceled.
supposed

Used when something is believed or meant to be true or correct, often without full certainty or in a context of doubt.

  • He is supposed to arrive at noon.
  • This is the supposed location of the treasure.
alleged

Used in situations where something is claimed to be true but not yet proven, often in a legal or formal context.

  • The alleged criminal was arrested yesterday.
  • She is the alleged mastermind behind the operation.
putative

Used to describe something that is commonly accepted or supposed to be true, often based on reputation or general belief.

  • The putative father of the child attended the hearing.
  • He is the putative leader of the group.

Examples of usage

  • The presumed cause of the fire was faulty wiring.
  • The presumed winner of the competition had to forfeit due to a technicality.

Translations

Translations of the word "presumed" in other languages:

🇵🇹 presumido

🇮🇳 अनुमानित (Anumānit)

🇩🇪 vermutlich

🇮🇩 diduga

🇺🇦 передбачуваний

🇵🇱 przypuszczalny

🇯🇵 仮定された (Katei sa reta)

🇫🇷 présumé

🇪🇸 presunto

🇹🇷 varsayılan

🇰🇷 추정된 (Chujeongdoen)

🇸🇦 مفترض (Muftaraḍ)

🇨🇿 předpokládaný

🇸🇰 predpokladaný

🇨🇳 假定的 (Jiǎdìng de)

🇸🇮 domneven

🇮🇸 áætlaður

🇰🇿 болжанған

🇬🇪 ვარაუდობილი (Varaudobili)

🇦🇿 ehtimal edilən

🇲🇽 presunto

Etymology

The word 'presumed' originated from the Latin word 'praesumere', which means 'to take for granted, suppose beforehand'. Over time, it has evolved to carry the meaning of assuming or believing something to be true without proof. The usage of 'presumed' in legal contexts dates back to the 14th century, where it was used to establish a starting point for further investigation. Today, the word is commonly used in various fields to denote a belief based on probability rather than concrete evidence.

See also: presumably, presume, presumption, presumptive, presumptuous.

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,269 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.