presume

verb

pri-ZOOM/pɹiˈz(j)um/Saypri-ZYOOM/pɹɪˈzjuːm/AUS/pɹɪˈzjʉːm/

Formspresumes, presuming, presumed

5 meanings of presume

1
verbtransitive
To think something is true even though you have no proof.
Like seeing wet streets and deciding it must have rained, without seeing the rain fall.
I presume you already know the answer.
They presumed the keys were lost when nobody could find them.
Similarassume, suppose, surmise, believe
Note
2
verbtransitive
To accept that something is true so you can build an argument on it.
Like agreeing to play a game by certain rules before you start.
Let's presume the train leaves on time and plan from there.
The lawyer presumed the contract was valid for the rest of her argument.
Similarassume, suppose, posit, postulate
Note
3
verbtransitive
To do something bold that you have no right or permission to do.
Like walking into someone's house and sitting at the head of the table.
How dare you presume to tell me how to raise my children?
He presumed to speak for the whole group without asking anyone.
Similardare, venture
Note
4
verbintransitive
To unfairly use someone's kindness or trust for your own gain.
Like a guest who stays too long and eats all your food.
I don't want to presume on your good nature.
She felt he was presuming on their friendship by asking for money again.
Similarimpose
Note

Less common meaning

5
verbarchaictransitive
To take or do something that you have no right to claim.
Like putting on a crown that was never yours to wear.
He presumed a title that was never granted to him.
No subject may presume the powers of the crown.
Note

Practice

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Origin

From Latin praesumere, meaning "to take beforehand," made from prae- ("before") and sumere ("to take"). It came into English through Anglo-Norman.