# presumptuous

/pɹɪˈzəmptʃəwəs/ (US) · /pɹɪsˈʌmptʃuːəs/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/presumptuous
Updated: 2026-05-20

## Definition

behaving in a way that shows you think you are more important than you really are. You use this to describe someone who acts without asking permission or showing respect.

For teachers: characterised by an arrogant or disrespectful assumption of superiority or entitlement. Often describes actions that overstep social boundaries or fail to acknowledge a hierarchy.

## Examples

- It was presumptuous of him to sit in the boss's chair.
- The young assistant's presumptuous behavior during the meeting made the senior partners feel uncomfortable and unrespected.
- The novel's protagonist is often criticized for his presumptuous belief that he can change the course of history without understanding the complex social structures he is born into.

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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.