# presumptive

/pɹiˈzəmptɪv/ (US) · /pɹɪsˈʌmptɪv/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/presumptive
Updated: 2026-05-25

## Definition

describing something that is accepted as true until it is proven otherwise. It is often used in legal or medical contexts to talk about a person's status or a diagnosis that might change later.

For teachers: based on a high probability or a strong assumption, but not yet proven. Often used in legal contexts to describe a person's status or in medical contexts to describe a diagnosis that is likely but not yet confirmed.

## Examples

- The suspect is a presumptive father until a DNA test proves otherwise.
- The patient was given a presumptive diagnosis of the flu, but the doctor ordered a blood test to be certain.
- Under the law, the defendant is considered a presumptive heir to the estate, though the final distribution will only occur after the will is validated in court.

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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.