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presume

Pronunciation: /prɪˈzjuːm/
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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]:two of the journalists went missing and are presumed dead
  • take for granted that something exists or is the case:the argument presumes that only one person can do the work
  • 2 [no object, with infinitive] be arrogant or impertinent 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:he was wary of presuming on the close friendship between them

Derivatives

presumable

adjective

Origin:

late Middle English: from Old French presumer, from Latin praesumere 'anticipate' (in late Latin 'take for granted'), from prae 'before' + sumere 'take'

presume in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of presume in the US English dictionary