presumed
adj. · v.-
1 supposed or likely (adj.) B2 Upper Intermediatethought to be true or certain, even though it has not been officially confirmed.
accepted as true or probable based on strong inference, though lacking absolute verification.
ExampleThe presumed winner of the election began preparing his victory speech early.
ExampleDespite the lack of a body, the presumed death of the explorer was eventually accepted by the authorities after years of silence.
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2 assumed to be true (v.) B2 Upper Intermediateto have believed something was true because it seemed very likely.
the past tense and past participle of 'presume', indicating an assumption made on the basis of probability.
ExampleI presumed you were coming to the party since your car was in the driveway.
ExampleThe investigators presumed that the fire had started in the kitchen, though they waited for the forensic report to confirm their theory.