# presume

/pɹɪˈzum/ (US) · /pɹɪzjˈuːm/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/presume
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. to suppose or assume

verb · CEFR B2

to believe something is true because it is very likely, although you do not have proof yet.

For teachers: to take something for granted or suppose it to be the case on the basis of probability. Often used in formal or legal contexts.

- I presume that you have already finished the report since it is on my desk.
- In many legal systems, the court must presume that the defendant is innocent until the prosecution provides evidence to the contrary.

Usage: Often followed by a 'that' clause.

### 2. to take a liberty

verb · CEFR C1 · Formal

to do something that you do not have the right or authority to do.

For teachers: to be so bold as to do something without appropriate authority or permission; to overstep social boundaries.

- I wouldn't presume to tell you how to do your job.
- The junior clerk did not presume to interrupt the CEO during the high-stakes board meeting.

Usage: Usually followed by an infinitive ('to do something').

### 3. to take advantage of

verb · CEFR C2 · Formal · Literary

to use someone's kindness or a situation in a way that is unfair.

For teachers: to take unfair advantage of something, such as a person's good nature or a particular situation.

- He didn't want to presume on their hospitality by staying too long.
- The distant relative was careful not to presume upon the family's wealth, knowing his claim to the estate was tenuous at best.

Usage: Typically used with the prepositions 'on' or 'upon'.

## Examples

- I presume you are here for the interview.
- The court must presume that the defendant is innocent until the prosecution proves their guilt.
- While we may presume that the market will stabilize by next quarter, historical data suggests that such recoveries are rarely linear or predictable.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.