Presumption: meaning, definitions and examples

Use 'presumption' when you are talking about something that is accepted as true without proof, often used in legal or formal contexts. It can carry a slightly negative connotation if it implies overconfidence or arrogance.

• There is a presumption of innocence in the legal system.
• His presumption that everyone agreed with him was irritating.

Use 'assumption' when you refer to something that is taken for granted or accepted as true without evidence, often in everyday or academic contexts. It doesn’t necessarily imply arrogance.

• I made the assumption that he would be on time.
• The researchers started with the assumption that the initial hypothesis was correct.

Use 'belief' when you talk about something that one accepts as true or real, often without proof. It often refers to deeply held personal convictions or faith.

• Her belief in the supernatural was unshakable.
• He has a strong belief in the value of hard work.

Use 'supposition' when referring to an idea or theory that one assumes to be true without evidence, often in a scientific or philosophical context. It’s more formal and can carry a sense of uncertainty.

• The supposition that there is life on other planets is intriguing.
• His theory was based on a mere supposition, lacking concrete evidence.

Used when taking something for granted or acting with bold confidence, often without good reason. It can have a negative connotation.

• His presumption that he would get the job annoyed the interviewers.
• There was a presumption in her behavior that showed she believed she was better than everyone else.

Used when accepting something as true without proof, often as a starting point for further investigation or reasoning.

• The assumption that the weather will be good tomorrow is based on the forecast.
• She worked on the assumption that all data provided was accurate.

Used when making a belief or hypothesis based on some evidence but not confirmed.

• His plans were based on the supposition that he would get a promotion.
• The novel's plot revolves around the supposition that time travel is possible.

Used when forming an opinion or conclusion based on incomplete information. Often implies a lack of sufficient evidence.

• Her conjecture about the cause of the problem turned out to be incorrect.
• The scientist's conjecture was later proven through experiments.