presume

[ pri-zoom ]
/ prɪˈzum /

verb (used with object), pre·sumed, pre·sum·ing.

to take for granted, assume, or suppose: I presume you're tired after your drive.
Law. to assume as true in the absence of proof to the contrary.
to undertake with unwarrantable boldness.
to undertake (to do something) without right or permission: to presume to speak for another.

verb (used without object), pre·sumed, pre·sum·ing.

Origin of presume

1300–50; Middle English presumen (< Old French presumer) < Latin praesūmere to take beforehand (Late Latin: take for granted, assume, dare), equivalent to prae- pre- + sūmere to take up, suppose (see consume)

OTHER WORDS FROM presume

pre·sum·ed·ly [pri-zoo-mid-lee] /prɪˈzu mɪd li/, adverb pre·sum·er, noun un·pre·sumed, adjective

Example sentences from the Web for presume

British Dictionary definitions for presume

presume
/ (prɪˈzjuːm) /

verb

(when tr, often takes a clause as object) to take (something) for granted; assume
(when tr, often foll by an infinitive) to take upon oneself (to do something) without warrant or permission; dare do you presume to copy my work?
(intr; foll by on or upon) to rely or depend don't presume on his agreement
law to take as proved until contrary evidence is produced

Derived forms of presume

presumedly (prɪˈzjuːmɪdlɪ), adverb presumer, noun presuming, adjective presumingly, adverb

Word Origin for presume

C14: via Old French from Latin praesūmere to take in advance, from prae before + sūmere to assume