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/prɪzˈum/ Listen

verb

Presume v. t. (past & past part. presumed; pres. part. presuming)

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."

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?"

Presume v. i.

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.

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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Etymology of 'Presume'

Collaborative International Dictionary of English 0.48

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"Presume" Quotes from Famous Books

... "I wouldn't presume," drawled Stewart, "to offer political opinions to gentlemen of your experience. However, now that you ask me a blunt question, I'm going to reply just as bluntly—but as a business man! I believe that running ...

— All-Wool Morrison • Holman Day

... your cousin, I presume.' Baines smiled at her. 'But let me assure ye, Miss Beechinor, this is a mere matter of form. A will must be signed in the presence of two witnesses, both present at the same time; and there's only yeself ...

— Tales of the Five Towns • Arnold Bennett

... its inert being? Knowing nothing of other than the chemical and physical laws, what is its criticism worth of the principles of Biology? And even when some visitor from the upper world, for example some root from a living tree, penetrating its dark recess, honors it with a touch, will it presume to define the form and purpose of its patron, or until the bioplasm has done its gracious work can it even know that it is being touched? The barrier which separates Kingdoms from one another restricts mind not less ...

— Natural Law in the Spiritual World • Henry Drummond

... venture to add nothing to what has already been written about these marvellous products of Japanese floriculture considered in themselves; but there is a little story relating to chrysanthemums which I may presume to tell. ...

— Glimpses of an Unfamiliar Japan • Lafcadio Hearn

... person whom Miss Brooks sent to Whitestone Hall with my mull dresses some three hours since, I presume. May I ask what ...

— Daisy Brooks - A Perilous Love • Laura Jean Libbey

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