presume
To accept something as true without proof, based on probability or reasonable grounds
Examples
In a meeting
“I presume the client approved the proposal since they scheduled an implementation meeting.”
Over coffee
“I presume you're coming to dinner since you said you were free tonight.”
Why this word
assume
presume implies some evidential basis or reasonable grounds, while assume can be without any evidence
guess
presume suggests informed supposition based on probability, while guess implies little or no basis
suppose
presume carries stronger confidence and often legal/formal weight, while suppose is more tentative and hypothetical
Usage tip
Use when making reasonable assumptions based on circumstances; less forceful than 'assume'
Etymology
Latin: praesumere (to take beforehand), from prae (before) + sumere (to take)
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Related words
synthesis
The combining of separate elements to form a coherent whole
surmise
To suppose something is true without having evidence
syllogism
A logical argument with two premises leading to a conclusion
empiricism
The belief that knowledge comes from observation and experience
paradox
A seemingly contradictory statement that may nonetheless be true
premise
An underlying assumption on which reasoning is based