presumption

[ pri-zuhmp-shuhn ]

/ prɪˈzʌmp ʃən /

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR presumption ON THESAURUS.COM

noun

the act of presuming.

assumption of something as true.

belief on reasonable grounds or probable evidence.

something that is presumed; an assumption.

a ground or reason for presuming or believing.

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

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

unwarrantable, unbecoming, or impertinent boldness.

Nearby words

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; see presume) + -iōn- -ion

SYNONYMS FOR presumption

8 audacity, effrontery, arrogance, gall.

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR presumption ON THESAURUS.COM

Related formso·ver·pre·sump·tion, noun

Can be confusedassumption axiom premise presumption

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for presumption

Perhaps that presumption was misguided, but more on that later.
Can Self-Help Books Really Make a New You?|Lizzie Crocker|December 29, 2014|DAILY BEAST
So far, we seem to be enjoying the presumption of innocence.
Green Politics Has to Get More Radical, Because Anything Less Is Impractical|Jedediah Purdy|April 26, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The effect of this was to deny the boys the presumption of innocence, since—after all—adults are responsible for their actions.
Are Black Students Unruly? Or is America Just Racist?|Jamelle Bouie|March 21, 2014|DAILY BEAST
And the effect of this was to deny the presumption of innocence—after all, adults are seen as fully responsible for their actions.
Americans See Innocent Black Kids as Guilty Adults|Jamelle Bouie|March 11, 2014|DAILY BEAST

The presumption is rebuttable but absent judicial or attorney error, it's almost impossible.
4 Reasons Oscar Pistorius Might Be Found Not Guilty|Eboni K. Williams|March 6, 2014|DAILY BEAST
He implored mille pardons for the presumption of his request.
Devereux, Complete|Edward Bulwer-Lytton
We sin against hope also by presumption in God's mercy, by despair, and by over-confidence in our own righteousness.
Mary, Help of Christians|Various
Such a presumption 69 would go against all governments in all modes.
Burke's Speech on Conciliation with America|Edmund Burke
One King, holding the curse in light estimation, made the attempt, but was stricken sorely for his presumption.
The Innocents Abroad|Mark Twain (Samuel Clemens)
It is enough that he bid me deliver the letter; after which I should think it presumption even to whisper more.
The Bravo|J. Fenimore Cooper

British Dictionary definitions for presumption

presumption

/ (prɪˈzʌmpʃən) /

noun

the act of presuming

bold or insolent behaviour or manners

a belief or assumption based on reasonable evidence

a ground or basis on which to presume

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

Word Origin for presumption

C13: via Old French from Latin praesumptiō a using in advance, anticipation, from praesūmere to take beforehand; see presume

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for presumption

presumption

mid-13c., "seizure and occupation without right," also "taking upon oneself more than is warranted," from Old French presumcion (12c., Modern French présomption) and directly from Late Latin praesumptionem (nominative praesumptio) "confidence, audacity," in classical Latin, "a taking for granted, anticipation," noun of action from past participle stem of praesumere "to take beforehand," from prae "before" (see pre-) + sumere "to take" (see exempt (adj.)). In English, the meaning "the taking of something for granted" is attested from c.1300. Presumptuous preserves the older sense.