Presume vs. Assume: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on November 20, 2023
"Presume" implies belief based on probability or some evidence, while "Assume" involves taking something for granted without proof.
Key Differences
"Presume" often suggests a belief based on reasonable grounds or evidence, though not conclusive. In contrast, "Assume" typically implies accepting something as true without proof or on weaker grounds.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 18, 2023
"Presume" carries a connotation of audacity or boldness in believing something without complete proof. "Assume" is generally less bold, often used in everyday situations where evidence is not strictly necessary.
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Nov 18, 2023
When you presume something, you make an informed guess based on available evidence. Assuming, however, often involves a leap in judgment without requiring evidence.
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Nov 18, 2023
Presumptions are often open to being challenged or disproved, given their basis in probabilities. Assumptions, however, are more about accepting a premise at face value, often as a starting point for further reasoning.
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Nov 18, 2023
Lastly, "Presume" is used in legal contexts to indicate a conclusion drawn from available evidence, while "Assume" is used in various contexts, including theoretical or hypothetical situations.
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Nov 18, 2023
Comparison Chart
Connotation
Suggests a degree of audacity
Less bold, more common in everyday use
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Nov 18, 2023
Strength of Belief
Stronger, but open to challenge
More about accepting without question
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Nov 18, 2023
Presume and Assume Definitions
Presume
Act Without Permission
They presumed to make decisions on my behalf.
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Nov 15, 2023
Presume
To take for granted as being true in the absence of proof to the contrary
"I presume you're tired after the long ride" (Edith Wharton).
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Oct 19, 2023
Assume
To take for granted; suppose
The study assumes that prices will rise.
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Oct 19, 2023
Presume
To constitute reasonable evidence for assuming; appear to prove
A signed hotel bill presumes occupancy of a room.
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Oct 19, 2023
Assume
To take upon oneself (a duty or obligation)
Assume responsibility.
Assume another's debts.
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Oct 19, 2023
Presume
To venture without authority or permission; dare
He presumed to invite himself to dinner.
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Oct 19, 2023
Presume
To take for granted that something is true or factual; make a supposition.
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Oct 19, 2023
Assume
To take on (an appearance, role, or form, for example); adopt
"The god assumes a human form" (John Ruskin).
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Oct 19, 2023
Presume
To act presumptuously or take unwarranted advantage of something
Don't presume on their hospitality.
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Oct 19, 2023
Presume
(transitive) With infinitive object: to be so presumptuous as (to do something) without proper authority or permission.
I wouldn't presume to tell him how to do his job.
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Oct 19, 2023
Presume
To perform, do (something) without authority; to lay claim to without permission.
Don't make the decision yourself and presume too much.
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Oct 19, 2023
Presume
(transitive) To assume or suggest to be true (without proof); to take for granted, to suppose.
Paw-prints in the snow allow us to presume a visit from next door's cat.
Dr. Livingstone, I presume?
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Oct 19, 2023
Presume
(transitive) To take as a premise; to assume for the sake of argument.
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Oct 19, 2023
Assume
To make a supposition; suppose or believe
"Is Kay's husband coming to dinner too?" "I assume so.".
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Oct 19, 2023
Presume
(intransitive) To be presumptuous; with on, upon, to take advantage (of), to take liberties (with).
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Oct 19, 2023
Assume
To authenticate by means of belief; to surmise; to suppose to be true, especially without proof
We assume that, as her parents were dentists, she knows quite a bit about dentistry.
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Oct 19, 2023
Presume
To assume or take beforehand; esp., to do or undertake without leave or authority previously obtained.
Dare he presume to scorn us in this manner?
Bold deed thou hast presumed, adventurous Eve.
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Oct 19, 2023
Assume
To take on a position, duty or form
Mr. Jones will assume the position of a lifeguard until a proper replacement is found.
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Oct 19, 2023
Presume
To take or suppose to be true, or entitled to belief, without examination or proof, or on the strength of probability; to take for granted; to infer; to suppose.
Every man is to be presumed innocent till he is proved to be guilty.
What rests but that the mortal sentence pass, . . . Which he presumes already vain and void,Because not yet inflicted?
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Oct 19, 2023
Assume
To adopt a feigned quality or manner; to claim without right; to arrogate
He assumed an air of indifference
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Oct 19, 2023
Presume
To suppose or assume something to be, or to be true, on grounds deemed valid, though not amounting to proof; to believe by anticipation; to infer; as, we may presume too far.
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Oct 19, 2023
Presume
To venture, go, or act, by an assumption of leave or authority not granted; to go beyond what is warranted by the circumstances of the case; to venture beyond license; to take liberties; - often with on or upon before the ground of confidence.
Do not presume too much upon my love.
This man presumes upon his parts.
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Oct 19, 2023
Presume
Take to be the case or to be true; accept without verification or proof;
I assume his train was late
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Oct 19, 2023
Assume
To take to or upon one's self; to take formally and demonstratively; sometimes, to appropriate or take unjustly.
Trembling they stand while Jove assumes the throne.
The god assumed his native form again.
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Oct 19, 2023
Presume
Take upon oneself; act presumptuously, without permission;
How dare you call my lawyer?
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Oct 19, 2023
Assume
To take for granted, or without proof; to suppose as a fact; to suppose or take arbitrarily or tentatively.
The consequences of assumed principles.
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Oct 19, 2023
Presume
Constitute reasonable evidence for;
A restaurant bill presumes the consumption of food
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Oct 19, 2023
Assume
To pretend to possess; to take in appearance.
Ambition assuming the mask of religion.
Assume a virtue, if you have it not.
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Oct 19, 2023
Assume
To receive or adopt.
The sixth was a young knight of lesser renown and lower rank, assumed into that honorable company.
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Oct 19, 2023
Assume
Take to be the case or to be true; accept without verification or proof;
I assume his train was late
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Oct 19, 2023
Assume
Take on titles, offices, duties, responsibilities;
When will the new President assume office?
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Oct 19, 2023
Assume
Take on a certain form, attribute, or aspect;
His voice took on a sad tone
The story took a new turn
He adopted an air of superiority
She assumed strange manners
The gods assume human or animal form in these fables
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Oct 19, 2023
Assume
Take on as one's own the expenses or debts of another person;
I'll accept the charges
She agreed to bear the responsibility
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Oct 19, 2023
Assume
Occupy or take on;
He assumes the lotus position
She took her seat on the stage
We took our seats in the orchestra
She took up her position behind the tree
Strike a pose
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Oct 19, 2023
Assume
Seize and take control without authority and possibly with force; take as one's right or possession;
He assumed to himself the right to fill all positions in the town
He usurped my rights
She seized control of the throne after her husband died
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Oct 19, 2023
Assume
Make a pretence of;
She assumed indifference, even though she was seething with anger
He feigned sleep
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Oct 19, 2023
Assume
Christianity, obsolete; take up someone's soul into heaven;
This is the day when May was assumed into heaven
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Oct 19, 2023
Assume
Put clothing on one's body;
What should I wear today?
He put on his best suit for the wedding
The princess donned a long blue dress
The queen assumed the stately robes
He got into his jeans
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Oct 19, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
How is presume used in legal terms?
It implies a conclusion based on evidence, like presuming innocence.
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Nov 18, 2023
What does it mean to presume something?
To believe based on probability or partial evidence.
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Nov 18, 2023
Can you assume without any basis?
Yes, assumptions don't necessarily require evidence.
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Nov 18, 2023
Can presume be challengeable?
Yes, presumptions are often open to being disproved.
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Nov 18, 2023
Do assumptions form the basis for theories?
Yes, many theories start with basic assumptions.
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Nov 18, 2023
Is presuming based on evidence?
Yes, often on reasonable grounds but not conclusive proof.
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Nov 18, 2023
Does assume always imply certainty?
Not necessarily; it's more about accepting a premise.
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Nov 18, 2023
Is assuming a deliberate action?
It can be, especially when choosing to accept something as true.
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Nov 18, 2023
Is it bold to presume?
It can be seen as audacious, given the lack of full proof.
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Nov 18, 2023
Can you presume in everyday conversation?
Yes, but it often implies some logical basis.
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Nov 18, 2023
What is assuming in a general sense?
Taking something for granted without needing proof.
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Nov 18, 2023
Are presumptions always correct?
Not always, as they are based on probabilities.
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Nov 18, 2023
Can assumptions lead to errors?
Yes, especially if the assumptions are unfounded.
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Nov 18, 2023
Are assumptions common in daily life?
Very common, as many actions are based on assumptions.
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Nov 18, 2023
How does assuming affect decision-making?
Assumptions can guide or misguide decisions, depending on their accuracy.
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Nov 18, 2023
Does presuming require confidence?
Yes, it involves a certain level of confidence in one's inference.
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Nov 18, 2023
Can you make an assumption about someone's feelings?
Yes, but it might not always be accurate without direct communication.
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Nov 18, 2023
Can you presume someone’s intentions?
Yes, based on their behavior or past actions.
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Nov 18, 2023
Is presuming a rational process?
Yes, it often involves rational inference.
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Nov 18, 2023
Is assuming necessary for planning?
Often, as plans are based on certain assumptions about the future.
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Nov 18, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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