- 1[intransitive, transitive] to suppose that something is true, although you do not have actual proof synonym assume They are very expensive, I presume? “Is he still abroad?” “I presume so.” presume (that)… I presumed (that) he understood the rules. it is presumed that… Little is known of the youngest son; it is presumed that he died young. presume somebody/something to be/have something I presumed him to be her husband.
- 2[transitive] to accept that something is true until it is shown not to be true, especially in court presume somebody/something + adj. Twelve passengers are missing, presumed dead. In English law, a person is presumed innocent until proved guilty. presume something We must presume innocence until we have proof of guilt. presume somebody/something to be/have something We must presume them to be innocent until we have proof of guilt.
- 3[transitive] presume something (formal) to accept something as true or existing and to act on that basis The course seems to presume some previous knowledge of the subject.
- 4[intransitive] presume to do something (formal) to behave in a way that shows a lack of respect by doing something that you have no right to do I wouldn't presume to tell you how to run your own business. Phrasal Verbspresume on
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NAmE//prɪˈzum//
Verb Forms present simple I / you / we / they presume he / she / it presumes
past simple presumed
-ing form presuming
Check pronunciation: presume