presumption
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.
“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.”
Countable when referring to a specific belief; uncountable when referring to the general quality of being overconfident.
“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.”
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.