Presume

Quick meaning: Presume is a verb meaning (transitive) To be so presumptuous as (to do something) without proper authority or permission [with to (+ infinitive)].

Meaning

(transitive) To be so presumptuous as (to do something) without proper authority or permission [with to (+ infinitive)].

More Meanings

1. (transitive, now rare) To perform, do (something) without authority; to lay claim to without permission.
2. (transitive) To assume or suggest to be true (without proof); to take for granted, to suppose.
3. (transitive) To take as a premise; to assume for the sake of argument.
4. (intransitive) To impose (on) for one's advantage; to be presumptuous; to take advantage (of); to take liberties (with) [with on or upon].

Example Sentences

Dr. Livingstone, I presume?

Don't make the decision yourself and presume too much.

Paw-prints in the snow allow us to presume a visit from next door's cat.

Presume not on thy heart when mine is slain; Thou gavest me thine, not to give back again.

Word Forms

• presumes
• presuming
• presumed

Synonyms for presume

Depending on context, synonyms include suppose, assume.

Related Words

Related dictionary entries include assume, suppose, presumption, presumptive, presuppose, surmise.

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