presumption

[pri-zuhmp-shuhn]

noun

1. the act of presuming. presuming.

2. assumption of something as true.

3. belief on reasonable grounds or probable evidence.

4. something that is presumed; an assumption.

5. a ground or reason for presuming presuming or believing.

6. Law.,  an inference required or permitted by law as to the existence of one fact from proof of the existence of other facts.

7. an assumption, often not fully established, that is taken for granted in some piece of reasoning.

8. unwarrantable, unbecoming, or impertinent boldness.

   Synonyms: gall, arrogance, effrontery, audacity

presumption

/ prɪˈzʌmpʃən /

noun

1. the act of presuming

2. bold or insolent behaviour or manners

3. a belief or assumption based on reasonable evidence

4. a ground or basis on which to presume

5. law an inference of the truth of a fact from other facts proved, admitted, or judicially noticed

Other Word Forms

• overpresumption noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of presumption¹

1175–1225; Middle English: effrontery, supposition < Latin praesūmptiōn- (stem of praesūmptiō ) anticipation, supposition, Late Latin: presumptuousness, equivalent to praesūmpt ( us ) (past participle of praesūmere to undertake beforehand; presume ) + -iōn- -ion

Word History and Origins

Origin of presumption¹

C13: via Old French from Latin praesumptiō a using in advance, anticipation, from praesūmere to take beforehand; see _presume

Example Sentences

That legislation introduced a presumption in favour of all children being in mainstream schools unless there was a very specific reason for them to go to specialist provision.

From BBC

“An allegation with no charge, indictment or conviction should never have the catastrophic consequence this has caused Malik. This has literally been the opposite of the presumption of innocence.”

From Los Angeles Times

“The Constitution does not erect a presumption against presidential control of agency staffing,” Solicitor Gen. D. John Sauer said in his appeal, “and the President does not need special permission from Congress.”

From Los Angeles Times

For years there has been a presumption against removing kids from school.

From BBC

Shanks said that Scotland was missing out on similar investment, and repeated calls for the Scottish government to end its "ideological position" of presumption against nuclear power.

From BBC

Related Words

• assumption 
• likelihood 
• premise 
• supposition 
• suspicion