presumptive
[pri-zuhmp-tiv]
- affording ground for presumption: presumptive evidence.
- based on likelihood or presumption: a presumptive title; the presumptive nominee.
- regarded as such by presumption; based on inference.
- Embryology. pertaining to the part of an embryo that, in the course of normal development, will predictably become a particular structure or region.
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Origin of presumptive
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for presumptive
Contemporary Examples
These groups turn out in greater numbers in presidential elections, giving Democrats a presumptive advantage heading into 2016.
The spotlight will soon fix itself on the presumptive Democratic 2016 nominee, whose name, I think, we all know.
Whoever wins that primary will still be an underdog against the presumptive Democratic nominee, Rep. Bruce Braley.
The presumptive Democratic nominee is Rep. Bruce Braley, a four-term congressman from northeast Iowa.
Her presumptive Republican opponent, Attorney General Greg Abbott, has already raised nearly $21 million.
Historical Examples
The judge would then qualify the crime, and decide who was the presumptive culprit.
The Philippine IslandsJohn Foreman
But the presumptive evidence is so strong that it is hardly needed.
The Hand in the DarkArthur J. Rees
But while you have no certainty of this, there is a presumptive argument on the other side.
The Young Man's GuideWilliam A. Alcott
And thus the truth which it apprehends is at first only presumptive.
But we have to note that such value-standards are only presumptive.
Essays in Experimental LogicJohn Dewey
presumptive
- based on presumption or probability
- affording reasonable ground for belief
- of or relating to embryonic tissues that become differentiated into a particular tissue or organpresumptive epidermis
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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 presumptive
adj.
"speculative," mid-15c., from French présomptif (15c.), from Medieval Latin presumptivus, from Late Latin praesumptivus, from Latin praesumpt- past participle stem of praesumere (see presume). The heir presumptive (1620s) is "presumed" to be the heir if the heir apparent is unavailable. Related: Presumptively.
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper