What does "presumption" mean?
The act of presuming, or something presumed.
Presumption
/pɹɪˈzʌmp.ʃən/ noun
noun ·Common ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: The act of presuming, or something presumed.
- Grammar: presumption is listed as noun.
- Nearest alternatives: assumption, presumptuousness, adventurousness, allegory.
- Useful contrasts: caution, contradiction, disproof.
- Usage evidence: There is a strong presumption against its truth.
How to use "presumption"
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- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "presumption" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
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- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
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- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "presumption" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "presumption" as the right word for your sentence.
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Compare nearby meanings
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Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "presumption" is acting as noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
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3. Confirm with context
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Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "presumption", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 The act of presuming, or something presumed. countable, uncountable
"Yet, in contradiction to all these very plausible presumptions, even this remote period teems with its own peculiar and separate instruction."
- 2 a kind of discourtesy in the form of an act of presuming wordnet
- 3 The belief of something based upon reasonable evidence, or upon something known to be true. countable, uncountable
"The presumption is that an event has taken place."
- 4 audacious (even arrogant) behavior that you have no right to wordnet
- 5 The condition upon which something is presumed. countable, uncountable
Show 4 more definitions
- 6 (law) an inference of the truth of a fact from other facts proved or admitted or judicially noticed wordnet
- 7 Arrogant behaviour; the act of venturing beyond due bounds of reverence or respect. countable, dated, uncountable
"Note the preſumption of this Scythian ſlaue: I tel thee villaine, thoſe that lead my horſe Haue to their names tytles of dignitie, And dar’ſt thou bluntly cal me Baiazeth?"
- 8 an assumption that is taken for granted wordnet
- 9 An inference that a trier of fact is either permitted or required to draw under certain factual circumstances (as prescribed by statute or case law) unless the party against whom the inference is drawn is able to rebut it with admissible, competent evidence. countable, uncountable
"The state, in the exercise of its general power to prescribe rules of evidence, may provide that proof of a particular fact, or of several facts taken collectively, shall be prima facie evidence of another fact when there is some rational connection between the fact proved and the ultimate fact presumed. The legislative presumption is invalid when it is entirely arbitrary, or creates an invidious discrimination, or operates to deprive a party of a reasonable opportunity to present the pertinent facts in his defense."
Antonyms
Example
"There is a strong presumption against its truth."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "presumption"?
Common synonyms include: assumption, presumptuousness, adventurousness, allegory, allusion, apriorism.
How do you use "presumption" in a sentence?
There is a strong presumption against its truth.
How do you pronounce "presumption"?
Pronounced /pɹɪˈzʌmp.ʃən/.
Etymology
From Middle English presumpcioun, presumption, from Old French presumption and its etymon Latin praesūmptiō.