presume

[pri-zoom]

presume Definition

to suppose that something is true, although you do not have actual proof.

Using presume: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "presume" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    I presume that he's coming to the party tonight.

  • Example

    The company is presumed to be guilty of fraud until proven innocent.

  • Example

    She didn't answer the phone, so I presumed she was busy.

  • Example

    He presumed on his father's connections to get the job.

presume Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for presume

Antonyms for presume

Phrases with presume

  • presume on/upon somebody/something

    to take advantage of someone or something, especially by asking for help when it is not reasonable or appropriate

    Example

    He presumes too much on his parents' generosity.

  • the principle that a person is considered innocent until proven guilty

    Example

    The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

  • presumed dead

    to assume or believe that someone is dead, although there is no proof

    Example

    After the plane crash, all passengers were presumed dead.

Origins of presume

from Old French 'presumer', from Latin 'praesumere', meaning 'to take beforehand'

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Summary: presume in Brief

The verb 'presume' [pri-zoom] means to suppose something is true without actual proof. It is often used in legal contexts, such as 'The company is presumed to be guilty of fraud until proven innocent.' 'Presume' can also be used in phrases like 'presume on/upon somebody/something,' meaning to take advantage of someone or something, and 'presumed innocent,' which is the principle that a person is considered innocent until proven guilty.

How do native speakers use this expression?