presume
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
to believe something is true because it is very likely, although you do not have proof yet.
to take something for granted or suppose it to be the case on the basis of probability. Often used in formal or legal contexts.
Simple“I presume that you have already finished the report since it is on my desk.”
In context“In many legal systems, the court must presume that the defendant is innocent until the prosecution provides evidence to the contrary.”
UsageOften followed by a 'that' clause.
- 02 C1 Advanced
to do something that you do not have the right or authority to do.
to be so bold as to do something without appropriate authority or permission; to overstep social boundaries.
Simple“I wouldn't presume to tell you how to do your job.”
In context“The junior clerk did not presume to interrupt the CEO during the high-stakes board meeting.”
UsageUsually followed by an infinitive ('to do something').
- 03 C2 Proficiency
to use someone's kindness or a situation in a way that is unfair.
to take unfair advantage of something, such as a person's good nature or a particular situation.
Simple“He didn't want to presume on their hospitality by staying too long.”
In context“The distant relative was careful not to presume upon the family's wealth, knowing his claim to the estate was tenuous at best.”
UsageTypically used with the prepositions 'on' or 'upon'.
“I presume that the Department of Foreign Affairs says it’s not unsafe to go to Nepal, but I wouldn’t be going there at the moment ...”
“Fisheries biologists long measured the annual success of winter-run Chinook salmon by the number of adult salmon returning upriver to spawn, presuming many were successful.”
From Middle English presumen, from Anglo-Norman presumer and its source, Latin praesūmere (“to take beforehand, anticipate”), from prae- + sūmere (“to take”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.