presume

verb

pre·​sume pri-ˈzüm 

presumed; presuming

transitive verb

1

: to undertake without leave or clear justification : dare

2

: to expect or assume especially with confidence

3

: to suppose to be true without proof

presumed innocent until proved guilty

4

: to take for granted : imply

intransitive verb

1

: to act or proceed presumptuously or on a presumption

2

: to go beyond what is right or proper

presumedly

pri-ˈzü-məd-lē  -ˈzümd-lē 

adverb

presumer noun

Did you know?

The Difference Between Assume and Presume

Assume and presume both mean "to take something for granted" or "to take something as true," but the words differ in the degree of confidence the person assuming or presuming has. Presume is used when someone is making an informed guess based on reasonable evidence. Assume is used when the guess is based on little or no evidence.

Presume functions a little differently in the legal catchphrase "presumed innocent until proven guilty." That sense of presume is separately defined as "to suppose to be true without proof." It is based on the fact that legal systems grant a defendant the presumption of innocence, thereby placing the burden of proof on the prosecution.

Synonyms of presume

• assume
• guess
• suppose
• think
• suspect

Examples of presume in a Sentence

“Is she still at work?” “I presume so, since she's not home.”

The court must presume innocence until there is proof of guilt.

Recent Examples on the Web

The risk is in presuming that anything subversive or sensational is also true and meaningful, and that anything conventional is a lie that must be smashed down. —Laura K. Field, The Atlantic, 5 Feb. 2026

She is presumed innocent but faces a long legal fight, and resignation is likely to be a key component of any plea deal. —Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 4 Feb. 2026

Huerter’s age didn’t fit the Bulls’ presumed timeline, as the team has looked to acquire younger players and assets. —David Aldridge, New York Times, 3 Feb. 2026

Health officials launched an investigation into the facility in December 2022 after a code enforcement officer noticed a garden hose attached to a building that was presumed to be vacant and had no active business license. —Thao Nguyen, USA Today, 3 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Late Latin & Anglo-French; Anglo-French presumer, from Late Latin praesumere to dare, from Latin, to anticipate, assume, from prae- + sumere to take — more at consume

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Phrases Containing presume

• presume on/upon

Rhymes for presume

• assume
• backroom
• ballroom
• barroom
• bathroom
• bedroom
• boardroom
• bridegroom
• classroom
• cloakroom
• consume
• costume

Kids Definition

presume

verb

pre·​sume pri-ˈzüm 

presumed; presuming

1

: to undertake without permission or good reason : dare

presume to question the authority of a superior

2

: to expect or assume with confidence : feel sure

I presume you'll fly if you do go

3

: to suppose to be true without proof

presume a person innocent until proved guilty

presumable

-ˈzü-mə-bəl

adjective

Legal Definition

presume

transitive verb

pre·​sume pri-ˈzüm 

presumed; presuming

: to suppose to be true without proof or before inquiry : accept as a presumption

must presume the defendant is innocent