Presume Definition & Meaning | Britannica Dictionary (original) (raw)

Britannica Dictionary definition of PRESUME

[+ object]

1

a

:

to think that (something) is true without knowing that it is true

• I presume [=_assume, expect_] (that) you'll fly to Chicago rather than drive.
• I presume (that) the car was very expensive. = The car was very expensive, I presume.
• “Is she still at work?” “I presume so, since she's not home.”

b

:

to accept legally or officially that something is true until it is proved not true

• A person is presumed (to be) innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
• The court must presume innocence until there is proof of guilt.
• After the earthquake several people were missing and presumed dead. [=believed to be dead]

2

formal

:

to do (something) that you do not have the right or permission to do

— followed by to + verb

• How can you presume [=_dare_] to speak for her?
• I'm not going to presume to tell you how to do your job.

3

:

to expect that someone has (a certain level of knowledge, skill, etc.)

• The course presumes familiarity with basic computer programming. [=people who take the course should know basic computer programming]

presume on/upon

[phrasal verb]

presume on/upon (something)

formal

:

to expect too much from (a relationship) in a way that shows that you do not understand your role in the relationship

:

to go beyond the proper limits of (a relationship)

• I don't want to presume on/upon our friendship by asking for too many favors.