/ prɪˈzjuːm; NAmE -ˈzuːm/ verb
1.
to suppose that sth is true, although you do not have actual proof
SYN assume :
[ v ]
They are very expensive, I presume?
'Is he still abroad?' ' I presume so .'
[ v ( that )]
I presumed (that) he understood the rules.
[ vn that ]
Little is known of the youngest son; it is presumed that he died young.
[ vn to inf ]
I presumed him to be her husband.
2.
to accept that sth is true until it is shown not to be true, especially in court :
[ vn - adj ]
Twelve passengers are missing, presumed dead .
In English law, a person is presumed innocent until proved guilty.
[ vn ]
We must presume innocence until we have proof of guilt.
[also vn to inf ]
3.
[ vn ] ( formal ) to accept sth as true or existing and to act on that basis :
The course seems to presume some previous knowledge of the subject.
4.
[ v to inf ] ( formal ) to behave in a way that shows a lack of respect by doing sth that you have no right to do :
I wouldn't presume to tell you how to run your own business.
•
PHRASAL VERBS
- presume on / upon sb/sth
••
WORD ORIGIN
late Middle English : from Old French presumer , from Latin praesumere anticipate (in late Latin take for granted), from prae before + sumere take.