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The Difference Between Assume and Presume
Assume and presume both mean "to take something for granted" or "to take something as true," but the words differ in the degree of confidence the person assuming or presuming has. Presume is used when someone is making an informed guess based on reasonable evidence. Assume is used when the guess is based on little or no evidence.
Presume functions a little differently in the legal catchphrase "presumed innocent until proven guilty." That sense of presume is separately defined as "to suppose to be true without proof." It is based on the fact that legal systems grant a defendant the presumption of innocence, thereby placing the burden of proof on the prosecution.
Synonyms
Examples of presume in a Sentence
Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 20 June 2024
There is a glaring gender problem here: While deference to a lady in such a situation is not required, it is often presumed.
—Judith Martin, The Mercury News, 18 June 2024
Like all criminal defendants, the younger Biden is presumed innocent and the government must prove its charges.
—New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 4 June 2024
All coverage of the impending 2024 presidential election presumes that something is going to change.
—Charles C. W. Cooke, National Review, 7 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for presume 
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'presume.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“Presume.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/presume. Accessed 3 Jul. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
presume
verb
Legal Definition
presume
transitive verb
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