presumption

American  

[pri-zuhmp-shuhn] / prɪˈzʌmp ʃən /

noun

1. the act of presuming. presuming.

2. assumption of something as true.

3. belief on reasonable grounds or probable evidence.

4. something that is presumed; an assumption.

5. a ground or reason for presuming presuming or believing.

6. Law. an inference required or permitted by law as to the existence of one fact from proof of the existence of other facts.

7. an assumption, often not fully established, that is taken for granted in some piece of reasoning.

8. unwarrantable, unbecoming, or impertinent boldness.

   Synonyms:

   gall, arrogance, effrontery, audacity

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presumption British  

/ prɪˈzʌmpʃən /

noun

1. the act of presuming

2. bold or insolent behaviour or manners

3. a belief or assumption based on reasonable evidence

4. a ground or basis on which to presume

5. law an inference of the truth of a fact from other facts proved, admitted, or judicially noticed

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Other Word Forms

• overpresumption noun

Etymology

Origin of presumption

1175–1225; Middle English: effrontery, supposition < Latin praesūmptiōn- (stem of praesūmptiō ) anticipation, supposition, Late Latin: presumptuousness, equivalent to praesūmpt ( us ) (past participle of praesūmere to undertake beforehand; presume ) + -iōn- -ion

Example Sentences

“The former defendants in this case, like any other defendant in this situation, still enjoy the presumption of innocence held sacrosanct in our constitutional order,” the judge writes.

From The Wall Street Journal

A presumption that there is an undercurrent of simmering rage in day-to-day life has taken hold in ways that might have startled past generations.

From The Wall Street Journal

Evaluate other undocumented people residing in the U.S. on a discretionary basis, with a presumption in favor of residency rights if they’re employed, have paid taxes, and haven’t abused the welfare system.

From The Wall Street Journal

The team at Bournemouth University have applied to Historic England for a grant to excavate the timbers on the presumption it is part of the protected wreck.

From BBC

Moira responds to her adult son’s certain presumption that parents are supposed to put their children first with a firm dismissal.

From Salon

Related Words

• assumption
• likelihood
• premise
• supposition
• suspicion