Presumably vs. Assumedly — What's the Difference?

Presumably is used when there is some form of indirect evidence or logical reasoning that supports a belief or conclusion. For instance, if a meeting room is booked, one might say, "Presumably, the room is in use." This implies a logical deduction based on available information. On the other hand, assumedly is employed when a conclusion is reached without direct evidence or is based purely on supposition. It suggests a higher level of uncertainty or speculation than presumably.

Presumably often implies a higher degree of confidence compared to assumedly. It is used in contexts where the speaker believes the conclusion is likely true based on the given evidence or typical circumstances. For example, if someone is not answering their phone during work hours, one might say, "Presumably, they are busy with a client." Whereas assumedly does not convey the same level of confidence; it is used when the speaker is making an assumption without much or any evidence, as in, "Assumedly, he didn’t see the message."

In academic or formal writing, presumably is frequently preferred because it suggests that the conclusion is not only based on an assumption but also on some form of reasoning or evidence. This makes the argument or statement appear more credible and well-thought-out. Conversely, assumedly might be used in more casual or speculative contexts, where the basis of the statement is clearly recognized as an assumption rather than an informed conclusion.

While presumably relates closely to probability and likelihood, assumedly leans more towards possibility without the backing of evidence. This distinction is crucial in discussions where the degree of certainty needs to be communicated clearly. For example, in a weather forecast, a meteorologist might use presumably if patterns suggest likely rain, whereas assumedly would be less appropriate in such a scientifically grounded context.