presumptive

[ pri-zuhmp-tiv ]

/ prɪˈzʌmp tɪv /

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See synonyms for presumptive on Thesaurus.com

adjective

affording ground for belief or presumption: presumptive evidence.

based on likelihood or presumption: a presumptive title; the presumptive nominee.

regarded as such by presumption; based on inference; assumed: a presumptive case of pneumonia.

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

From the Late Latin word praesūmptīvus, dating back to 1555–65. See presumption, -ive

OTHER WORDS FROM presumptive

pre·sump·tive·ly, adverbnon·pre·sump·tive, adjectivenon·pre·sump·tive·ly, adverbo·ver·pre·sump·tive, adjective

o·ver·pre·sump·tive·ly, adverbun·pre·sump·tive, adjectiveun·pre·sump·tive·ly, adverb

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH presumptive

presumptive , presumptuous

Words nearby presumptive

presumption, presumption of fact, presumption of innocence, presumption of law, presumption of survivorship, presumptive, presumptive heir, presumptive negative, presumptive positive, presumptuous, presuppose

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use presumptive in a sentence

Trevor Lawrence, the former Clemson star quarterback and presumptive top overall selection in the 2021 NFL draft—which begins Thursday—has had one hectic month of April.
'Judge Me By My Actions.' Trevor Lawrence Discusses the 2021 NFL Draft and Questions About His Work Ethic|Sean Gregory|April 28, 2021|Time
In March, the team signed journeyman Ryan Fitzpatrick, who had played for eight different teams in his 16-year NFL career, as its presumptive starting quarterback for next season.
When Being First Matters, But Only So Much|Milton Coleman|April 11, 2021|TruthBeTold.news
With Carson Wentz having been traded to the Indianapolis Colts, Hurts is the presumptive starter heading into next season.
Trades shake up the NFL draft order as 49ers move up to the third overall pick|Mark Maske|March 26, 2021|Washington Post
Now he will try to rebuild his career with Reich in Indianapolis while Hurts becomes the presumptive starter in Philadelphia for Nick Sirianni, the former Colts offensive coordinator hired to replace Pederson as the Eagles’ head coach.
Eagles agree to trade quarterback Carson Wentz to the Colts for a pair of draft picks|Mark Maske|February 18, 2021|Washington Post

That includes an automatic termination — what’s known as a presumptive firing policy — for all staff found guilty of certain types of sexual misconduct unless the complainant doesn’t want the staff member fired.
A UCSD Professor Sent a Student Porn. Here’s Why it Took a Year to Fire Him.|Ethan Coston|February 17, 2021|Voice of San Diego
These groups turn out in greater numbers in presidential elections, giving Democrats a presumptive advantage heading into 2016.
How Democrats Can Recover|Will Marshall|November 9, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The spotlight will soon fix itself on the presumptive Democratic 2016 nominee, whose name, I think, we all know.
Immigration Reform? Not Until Hillary|Michael Tomasky|September 8, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Whoever wins that primary will still be an underdog against the presumptive Democratic nominee, Rep. Bruce Braley.
Iowa GOP Senate Debate Shows Divides|Ben Jacobs|April 25, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The presumptive Democratic nominee is Rep. Bruce Braley, a four-term congressman from northeast Iowa.
Pol’s ‘Spoof Ad’ Aims for LOLZ—and Senate Seat|Olivia Nuzzi|April 10, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Her presumptive Republican opponent, Attorney General Greg Abbott, has already raised nearly $21 million.
Wendy Davis Is (Probably) Running for Texas Governor|Caroline Linton|September 26, 2013|DAILY BEAST
More or less presumptive evidence may be adduced for a yet more specific dating.
The Fatal Dowry|Philip Massinger
And that warrants you in sending me to tilt against this foolish heir-presumptive windmill.
The Colonel of the Red Huzzars|John Reed Scott
Emanuel Geibel presented himself as heir presumptive to the mantle of Heine.
A History of the Nineteenth Century, Year by Year|Edwin Emerson
This being regarded as presumptive evidence of guilt, Wenham's persecutors brought her to trial.
The Mysteries of All Nations|James Grant
Would not it be said by my presumptive remorse that, by my gallantry, manner and dress, I was going to seduce her?
The Confessions of J. J. Rousseau, Complete|Jean Jacques Rousseau

British Dictionary definitions for presumptive

presumptive

/ (prɪˈzʌmptɪv) /

adjective

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

Derived forms of presumptive

presumptively, adverbpresumptiveness, noun

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

presumptive

Origin of presumptive

OTHER WORDS FROM presumptive

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH presumptive

Words nearby presumptive

Words related to presumptive

How to use presumptive in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for presumptive

Derived forms of presumptive