What is the difference between presuming and supposing?

Definitions

presuming

- Referring to making assumptions or taking something for granted without evidence.

- Talking about acting as if something is true without verifying it.

- Describing a situation where one assumes something based on prior knowledge or experience.

supposing

- Referring to imagining or considering a hypothetical situation.

- Talking about making an assumption based on incomplete information.

- Describing a situation where one is unsure but still considering possibilities.

List of Similarities

• 1. Both involve making assumptions or considering possibilities.
• 2. Both are used to express uncertainty or doubt.
• 3. Both can be used to introduce hypothetical situations.
• 4. Both are followed by a clause or phrase that expresses the assumption or possibility.

What is the difference?

• 1. Evidence: Presuming implies that there is some evidence or prior knowledge to support the assumption, while supposing may be based on incomplete or uncertain information.
• 2. Certainty: Presuming suggests a higher degree of certainty than supposing, which is more tentative and speculative.
• 3. Imagination: Supposing often involves imagining or considering hypothetical situations, while presuming is more focused on taking something for granted or acting as if it were true.
• 4. Usage: Presuming is more commonly used in legal or formal contexts, while supposing is more informal and conversational.
• 5. Connotation: Presuming can have negative connotations of arrogance or overconfidence, while supposing is more neutral and can even have positive connotations of creativity or imagination.

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Remember this!

Presuming and supposing both involve making assumptions or considering possibilities, but they differ in terms of evidence, certainty, imagination, usage, and connotation. Presuming implies a higher degree of certainty and is often used in legal or formal contexts, while supposing is more tentative and imaginative, and is used more informally. Presuming can have negative connotations of arrogance, while supposing is more neutral and can even have positive connotations of creativity.