PRESUME


Meaning of PRESUME in English

/ 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.

Oxford Advanced Learner's English Dictionary.      Оксфордский английский словарь для изучающик язык на продвинутом уровне.