presumption

[pri-zuhmp-shuhn]

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

presumption

/ 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

Other Word Forms

• overpresumption noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of presumption¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of presumption¹

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

Example Sentences

"Until the proceedings are concluded, the presumption of innocence applies," he added.

Read more on BBC

“We start with a presumption that the legislature acted in good faith,” Alito wrote for a 6-3 majority last year in a South Carolina case.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Smith vociferously disagreed, saying none of Brown’s arguments overrode the presumption of good faith that should be awarded to legislators.

Read more on Salon

Perhaps some artificial aristocrats happen to qualify as natural ones, but for the sake of the American experiment, they must not merit any presumption thereof.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

A previous presumption in the Danish system to extend permits was scrapped.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• assumption 
• likelihood 
• premise 
• supposition 
• suspicion