Presume vs. Assume — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on November 1, 2023
Presume implies belief based on probability; assume is to accept something as true without proof.
Difference Between Presume and Assume
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Key Differences
To presume means to take something as true based on likelihood or probability. It suggests a belief that is stronger than to assume, which is to accept something as true with no evidence or proof.
When you presume, you often rely on previous experience or a logical foundation for your belief. To assume is to take a stance on something without any backing or specific evidence, possibly due to lack of information.
Presumption typically comes with a degree of confidence about something, even if proof is lacking. Assuming is a step taken, often due to necessity or convenience, without that same level of confidence.
In legal terms, to presume means to accept something until it is proven otherwise, known as a presumption of law. To assume does not usually carry legal weight; it's more about personal belief without the need for evidence.
Presuming can also imply a bit of arrogance or audacity, as in presuming to know what someone else is thinking. Assuming, on the other hand, often simply suggests forming an opinion with no basis in evidence.
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Comparison Chart
Basis of Belief
Often based on reasonable evidence or likelihood.
Taken for granted without proof.
Confidence Level
Suggests a higher level of confidence.
Indicates less confidence or certainty.
Usage in Law
Has legal connotations, e.g., presumption of innocence.
Not typically used with legal significance.
Connotation
Can imply audacity or overstepping.
Generally neutral, suggests a lack of information.
Dependence on Context
More dependent on context or prior evidence.
Less dependent on context, more on convenience.
Compare with Definitions
Presume
To presume is to believe something before it is proven.
I presume you'll be attending the gala tonight.
Assume
To assume is to accept something as true without question or proof.
She assumed he would be late, as he often was.
Presume
Presuming is to expect that something is the case.
She presumed the meeting was at noon, as usual.
Assume
Assume can mean to take on a role or responsibility.
He assumed the role of leader in the project.
Presume
Presume can imply taking liberties.
He presumed to offer advice where it was not asked for.
Assume
To take for granted; suppose
The study assumes that prices will rise.
Presume
Presuming can involve overstepping usual bounds.
I presume you know the implications of your decision.
Assume
To take upon oneself (a duty or obligation)
Assume responsibility.
Assume another's debts.
Presume
To take for granted as being true in the absence of proof to the contrary
"I presume you're tired after the long ride" (Edith Wharton).
Assume
To undertake the duties of (an office)
Assumed the presidency.
Presume
To constitute reasonable evidence for assuming; appear to prove
A signed hotel bill presumes occupancy of a room.
Assume
To take on (an appearance, role, or form, for example); adopt
"The god assumes a human form" (John Ruskin).
Presume
To venture without authority or permission; dare
He presumed to invite himself to dinner.
Assume
To pretend to have; feign
Assume an air of authority.
Presume
To take for granted that something is true or factual; make a supposition.
Assume
To take over without justification; seize
Assume control.
Presume
To act presumptuously or take unwarranted advantage of something
Don't presume on their hospitality.
Assume
To clothe oneself in; don
The queen assumed a velvet robe.
Presume
(transitive) With infinitive object: to be so presumptuous as (to do something) without proper authority or permission.
I wouldn't presume to tell him how to do his job.
Assume
To take up or receive into heaven.
Presume
To perform, do (something) without authority; to lay claim to without permission.
Don't make the decision yourself and presume too much.
Assume
To make a supposition; suppose or believe
"Is Kay's husband coming to dinner too?" "I assume so.".
Presume
(transitive) To assume or suggest to be true (without proof); to take for granted, to suppose.
Paw-prints in the snow allow us to presume a visit from next door's cat.
Dr. Livingstone, I presume?
Assume
To authenticate by means of belief; to surmise; to suppose to be true, especially without proof
We assume that, as her parents were dentists, she knows quite a bit about dentistry.
Presume
(transitive) To take as a premise; to assume for the sake of argument.
Assume
To take on a position, duty or form
Mr. Jones will assume the position of a lifeguard until a proper replacement is found.
Presume
(intransitive) To be presumptuous; with on, upon, to take advantage (of), to take liberties (with).
Assume
To adopt a feigned quality or manner; to claim without right; to arrogate
He assumed an air of indifference
Presume
To assume or take beforehand; esp., to do or undertake without leave or authority previously obtained.
Dare he presume to scorn us in this manner?
Bold deed thou hast presumed, adventurous Eve.
Assume
To receive, adopt (a person)
Presume
To take or suppose to be true, or entitled to belief, without examination or proof, or on the strength of probability; to take for granted; to infer; to suppose.
Every man is to be presumed innocent till he is proved to be guilty.
What rests but that the mortal sentence pass, . . . Which he presumes already vain and void,Because not yet inflicted?
Assume
To adopt (an idea or cause)
Presume
To suppose or assume something to be, or to be true, on grounds deemed valid, though not amounting to proof; to believe by anticipation; to infer; as, we may presume too far.
Assume
To take to or upon one's self; to take formally and demonstratively; sometimes, to appropriate or take unjustly.
Trembling they stand while Jove assumes the throne.
The god assumed his native form again.
Presume
To venture, go, or act, by an assumption of leave or authority not granted; to go beyond what is warranted by the circumstances of the case; to venture beyond license; to take liberties; - often with on or upon before the ground of confidence.
Do not presume too much upon my love.
This man presumes upon his parts.
Assume
To take for granted, or without proof; to suppose as a fact; to suppose or take arbitrarily or tentatively.
The consequences of assumed principles.
Presume
Take to be the case or to be true; accept without verification or proof;
I assume his train was late
Assume
To pretend to possess; to take in appearance.
Ambition assuming the mask of religion.
Assume a virtue, if you have it not.
Presume
Take upon oneself; act presumptuously, without permission;
How dare you call my lawyer?
Assume
To receive or adopt.
The sixth was a young knight of lesser renown and lower rank, assumed into that honorable company.
Presume
Constitute reasonable evidence for;
A restaurant bill presumes the consumption of food
Assume
To be arrogant or pretentious; to claim more than is due.
Presume
Take liberties or act with too much confidence
Assume
To undertake, as by a promise.
Presume
To presume sometimes means to take something for granted.
He presumed his work would be recognized.
Assume
Take to be the case or to be true; accept without verification or proof;
I assume his train was late
Assume
Take on titles, offices, duties, responsibilities;
When will the new President assume office?
Assume
Take on a certain form, attribute, or aspect;
His voice took on a sad tone
The story took a new turn
He adopted an air of superiority
She assumed strange manners
The gods assume human or animal form in these fables
Assume
Take on as one's own the expenses or debts of another person;
I'll accept the charges
She agreed to bear the responsibility
Assume
Occupy or take on;
He assumes the lotus position
She took her seat on the stage
We took our seats in the orchestra
She took up her position behind the tree
Strike a pose
Assume
Seize and take control without authority and possibly with force; take as one's right or possession;
He assumed to himself the right to fill all positions in the town
He usurped my rights
She seized control of the throne after her husband died
Assume
Make a pretence of;
She assumed indifference, even though she was seething with anger
He feigned sleep
Assume
Christianity, obsolete; take up someone's soul into heaven;
This is the day when May was assumed into heaven
Assume
Put clothing on one's body;
What should I wear today?
He put on his best suit for the wedding
The princess donned a long blue dress
The queen assumed the stately robes
He got into his jeans
Assume
Assuming often involves starting with a hypothesis.
Let's assume for a moment that the theory is correct.
Assume
To assume can also mean to pretend to have.
He assumed an air of indifference.
Assume
Assume sometimes implies making an educated guess.
Based on the evidence, we can assume the results will be positive.
Common Curiosities
What does assume mean?
To accept something as true without proof or to take on a role.
Is assuming always incorrect?
Not necessarily; assumptions can be correct but are made without concrete evidence.
Can 'presume' and 'assume' be used interchangeably?
In many contexts they can, but there are nuanced differences in their connotations.
In legal terms, is it better to presume or assume?
Legal standards often use 'presume,' as in 'presumed innocent until proven guilty.'
Can I presume consent?
Presuming consent is risky; it's always better to ask explicitly.
Can I assume a character in a book is a certain way?
Yes, readers often make assumptions about characters based on the narrative.
Is 'presuming' considered bad manners?
It can be, if it means you are assuming things not yet confirmed.
Can I assume everyone agrees with a decision if no one speaks up?
Silence doesn't necessarily mean agreement; it's best not to assume consent.
When should I use 'presume' over 'assume'?
Use 'presume' when there's some evidence or likelihood backing your belief.
What does it mean to presume?
To accept as true based on probability, or to overstep bounds.
Is it presumptuous to presume?
It can be seen as such, especially if done without proper basis.
Do 'presume' and 'assume' have different origins?
Both have Latin roots but have come to have different meanings in English.
Why might someone correct you for using 'assume'?
They may want to clarify that an assumption is being made without proof.
Does 'presume' imply more certainty than 'assume'?
Yes, 'presume' often implies a higher degree of confidence.
If I'm unsure, should I presume or assume?
If unsure, it might be better to not presume or assume and instead seek clarity.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
