Translate presume | into French | into German | into Italian | into Spanish Definition of presume
verb
1 [with clause] suppose that something is the case on the basis of probability:I presumed that the man had been escorted from the building [with object and complement]:the two men were presumed dead when the wreck of their boat was found take for granted that something exists or is the case:the argument presumes that only one person can do the work [with object]:the task demands skills that cannot be presumed and therefore require proper training
2 [no object, with infinitive] be audacious enough to do something:kindly don’t presume to issue me orders in my own house [no object] make unjustified demands; take liberties:forgive me if I have presumed [no object] (
presume on/upon)
unjustifiably regard (something) as entitling one to privileges:she knew he regarded her as his protegée, but was determined not to presume on that
