What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
surmise
Example
Based on the evidence, I can only surmise that the suspect is guilty. [surmise: verb]
Example
My surmise is that she won't be able to come to the party tonight. [surmise: noun]
presume
Example
I presume that the meeting will be postponed due to the weather. [presume: verb]
Example
Don't presume to know what I'm thinking. [presume: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Presume is more commonly used than surmise in everyday language. Presume is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while surmise is less common and refers to a more specific type of assumption or inference.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between surmise and presume?
Both surmise and presume can be used in formal and informal contexts, but surmise may be considered slightly more formal due to its less common usage and more specific definition.
