presume

Presume is defined as to assume to be true without proof, or to dare to do something without permission.

(verb)

  1. An example of presume is to believe in heaven even if there is no proof.
  2. An example of presume is to speak for another person without his or her knowledge or permission.

YourDictionary definition and usage example. Copyright © 2013 by LoveToKnow Corp.

See presume in Webster's New World College Dictionary

transitive verb presumed, presuming

  1. to take upon oneself without permission or authority; dare (to say or do something); venture
  2. to take for granted; accept as true, lacking proof to the contrary; suppose
  3. to constitute reasonable evidence for supposing: a signed invoice presumes receipt of goods

Origin: ME presumen < OFr presumer < L praesumere < prae-, before (see pre-) + sumere, to take: see consume

intransitive verb

  1. to act presumptuously; take liberties
  2. to rely too much (on or upon), as in taking liberties: to presume on another's friendship
  3. to take something for granted

Related Forms:

See presume in American Heritage Dictionary 4

verb pre·sumed, pre·sum·ing, pre·sumes
verb, transitive
  1. To take for granted as being true in the absence of proof to the contrary: We presumed she was innocent.
  2. To constitute reasonable evidence for assuming; appear to prove: A signed hotel bill presumes occupancy of a room.
  3. To venture without authority or permission; dare: He presumed to invite himself to dinner.
verb, intransitive
  1. To act overconfidently; take liberties.
  2. To take unwarranted advantage of something; go beyond the proper limits: Don't presume on their hospitality.
  3. To take for granted that something is true or factual; suppose: That's the new assistant, I presume.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English presumen

Origin: , from Old French presumer

Origin: , from Late Latin praesūmere

Origin: , from Latin, to anticipate

Origin: : prae-, pre-

Origin: + sūmere, to take; see em- in Indo-European roots

.

Related Forms:

  • pre·sumˈed·ly (-zo͞oˈmĭd-lē) adverb
  • pre·sumˈer noun

Learn more about presume

link/cite print suggestion box