presumption
[pri-zuhmp-shuhn]
- 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.
Show More
Origin of presumption
Synonyms
See more synonyms for on Thesaurus.comDictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Related Words
likelihoodassumptionsuspicionpremisesuppositionassurancechanceconjectureanticipationshotprobabilitybasisguesspresuppositionplausibilityreasonpostulationstabthesispositExamples from the Web for presumption
Contemporary Examples
Perhaps that presumption was misguided, but more on that later.
So far, we seem to be enjoying the presumption of innocence.
Green Politics Has to Get More Radical, Because Anything Less Is ImpracticalJedediah Purdy
April 26, 2014
The effect of this was to deny the boys the presumption of innocence, since—after all—adults are responsible for their actions.
And the effect of this was to deny the presumption of innocence—after all, adults are seen as fully responsible for their actions.
The presumption is rebuttable but absent judicial or attorney error, it's almost impossible.
Historical Examples
To the disgust of the latter, Robert actually had the presumption to walk home with Hester.
Brave and BoldHoratio Alger
What if to her mother the mere idea of having a calling should seem a presumption!
Weighed and WantingGeorge MacDonald
The presumption is that they represent the old sepulchers of the kings of Meroe.
To folly, to pretension, to presumption, he showed but slight forbearance.
Alice, or The Mysteries, CompleteEdward Bulwer-Lytton
Not that I intend to enter the lists with Peter; that would be presumption indeed.
The Letters of Robert BurnsRobert Burns
presumption
- 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
Show More
Word Origin
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
n.
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.
Show More
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper