Word
presumption
Phoneticspre·sump·tion, stress on the second syllable
US/pɹiˈzəmpʃən/
UK/pɹɪsˈʌmpʃən/
Countable & uncountable
Definition
n. an idea that you believe is true even though you do not have all the facts yet. It can also mean behaving in a way that is too confident or a bit rude.
n. the act of assuming something to be true in the absence of proof to the contrary; alternatively, behavior that oversteps the bounds of propriety. Often carries a legal or formal weight regarding the burden of proof.
Examples
“There is a presumption of innocence until a person is proven guilty.”
“The committee acted on the presumption that the budget would be approved by the end of the month.”
“The legal system relies on the presumption of innocence to ensure that the burden of proof remains firmly with the prosecution throughout the trial.”
Examples
simple
“There is a presumption of innocence until a person is proven guilty.”
contextual
“The committee acted on the presumption that the budget would be approved by the end of the month.”
complex
“The legal system relies on the presumption of innocence to ensure that the burden of proof remains firmly with the prosecution throughout the trial.”
Usage
Countable when referring to a specific belief; uncountable when referring to the general quality of being overconfident.
Real-World Examples
“Stronger support in principle for development, meaning a more explicit presumption in favour of building in sustainable locations.” “It meant councils were effectively working against a presumption that gambling premises should be permitted, leaving them limited ability to say no.” Etymology
From Middle English presumpcioun, presumption, from Old French presumption and its etymon Latin praesūmptiō.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/presumption