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

Piantedosi thanked police for their work in a post on X, but also noted that "the presumption of innocence... must always be recognised at this stage".

From BBC

He later called this “a singular act of presumption,” writing, “I knew almost nothing about the anatomy of disaster, the ways of Appalachia, or anything else that could qualify me as an expert.”

From The Wall Street Journal

Her trial began on Monday, and while she deserves the presumption of innocence when it comes to criminal charges, it’s already clear that her actions were outrageous.

From The Wall Street Journal

If attention is fungible, then Netflix’s share, and the merged firm’s share, would fall below the presumption established in the 1963 precedent.

From Barron's

Five years on, the Ministry of Justice's plan to repeal the presumption means courts would make decisions based on the consideration of a child's safety and welfare - without a default assumption.

From BBC

Related Words

• assumption
• likelihood
• premise
• supposition
• suspicion