presumably

American  

[pri-zoo-muh-blee] / prɪˈzu mə bli /

adverb

1. by assuming reasonably; probably.

   Since he is a consistent winner, he is presumably a superior player.

   Synonyms:

   apparently, likely, doubtless

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presumably British  

/ prɪˈzjuːməblɪ /

adverb

1. (sentence modifier) one presumes or supposes that

   presumably he won't see you, if you're leaving tomorrow

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Etymology

Origin of presumably

First recorded in 1640–50; presumable + -ly

Explanation

Presumably you are reading these word blurbs because you're interested in learning some useful words. You can add presumably to any statement that you think is true — it indicates a logical conclusion for which you don't have definite proof. When you add presumably to whatever you're saying, you're giving notice that you think what you're saying is true but telling your listener not to ask for the evidence. You might watch beer commercials and say to yourself, "Presumably advertisers think people will find this commercial amusing and want to run out and buy tubs of this beer." The adverb presumably is related to the nouns presumption and assumption, which are also notions you accept without proof.

Example Sentences

Presumably Justice Thomas has more years left to serve, and more opportunities to restore the Constitution’s proper understanding.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 3, 2026

Presumably, you’ve already dropped a few thousand bucks on your parents’ burial/cremation/other and memorial, and there are unfortunately more charges to come.

From Salon • Mar. 24, 2026

Presumably, an AI bot won’t be making the final decision.

From Barron's • Feb. 11, 2026

Presumably this was meant to feel relaxed and modern.

From BBC • Dec. 22, 2025

Presumably they’d pulled the same stunt on him.

From "In Cold Blood" by Truman Capote

Related Words

• apparently
• doubtless
• probably
• seemingly
• supposedly
• surely