presumably
Americanadverb
adverb
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.
Vocabulary lists containing presumably
Holes
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Copper Sun
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The video also shows other men lying face down -- presumably two workers -- and a relative who worked with them.
From Barron's ● Jul. 9, 2026
These folks are right in the middle of those numbers and presumably should be fine, especially since they have two Social Security incomes coming in and have a smart housing plan.
From MarketWatch ● Jul. 8, 2026
By mid-afteroon Friday, dozens of fans clustered near MSG as black SUVs and vans with tinted windows, presumably filled with wedding attendees, turned the corner toward the stadium.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 3, 2026
“When I take a bite, I chew through small lumps of egg, presumably scrambled by the hot butter,” she writes.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 26, 2026
“It’s probably spam,” he said, even though a glance was enough to tell that it was Daniel, presumably trying to see if he’d been eaten yet.
From "Night Owls" by A.R. Vishny
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
