Presumption vs. Assumption — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Urooj Arif — Updated on March 7, 2024
Presumption involves belief based on probability or reasoning, while assumption is a belief accepted without proof.
Difference Between Presumption and Assumption
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Presumption is often linked with legal and formal contexts, suggesting a conclusion based on previous evidence or probability. It implies a certain level of confidence in the belief due to existing knowledge or patterns. On the other hand, assumption refers to a belief or acceptance of something as true without requiring evidence or proof. Assumptions are more speculative in nature and are often used as starting points for hypothesis and theories.
A presumption might be made regarding a person's innocence until proven guilty, based on the principle of justice. Scientists might make assumptions in their experimental designs that need to be tested for validity.
Presumptions are generally more informed and carry a weight of authority or precedent, making them somewhat more rigid or accepted until new evidence is presented. This aspect is particularly prominent in areas where established facts or patterns guide decision-making processes. In contrast, assumptions can be more flexible and subject to change as they are tested against reality. This flexibility is crucial in research and development, where initial assumptions guide the early stages of exploration but are refined over time through experimentation and evidence gathering.
Presumptions often have a legal or formal implication, requiring a certain standard to overturn, whereas assumptions are common in everyday decision-making and theoretical exploration, without the need for formal proof or evidence to support them initially.
Comparison Chart
Basis
Probability or prior evidence
Lack of evidence or proof
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Context
Legal, formal
General, theoretical
Flexibility
Less flexible, requires evidence to overturn
More flexible, can be easily adjusted
Nature
Informed belief
Speculative belief
Implication
Often legal or authoritative, harder to change
Common in hypotheses, easier to change
Compare with Definitions
Presumption
Acting with overconfidence or arrogance, assuming something.
His presumption to the throne was unexpected by many.
Assumption
An initial consideration or starting point for reasoning.
The theory begins with the assumption that all humans are rational.
Presumption
A belief that something is true based on probability or prior evidence.
The presumption of innocence is a cornerstone of the legal system.
Assumption
A thing that is accepted as true or as certain to happen, without proof.
Their plans were based on the assumption of continued support.
Presumption
An attitude or belief dictated by probability.
His presumption of winning was based on past victories.
Assumption
The act of taking on a new position or responsibility.
Her assumption of the CEO role was well-received.
Presumption
A legal assumption that remains until proven otherwise.
The law operates on the presumption that a missing person is alive for a certain period.
Assumption
Taking for granted or presuming.
His assumption of her agreement was premature.
Presumption
An inference favoring one outcome over others.
The jury's presumption was clearly in favor of the defendant.
Assumption
Accepting something as true without proof or evidence.
The assumption that all swans are white was disproved.
Presumption
An idea that is taken to be true on the basis of probability
Underlying presumptions about human nature
Assumption
The action of taking on power or responsibility
The assumption of an active role in regional settlements
Presumption
In the law of evidence, a presumption of a particular fact can be made without the aid of proof in some situations. The invocation of a presumption shifts the burden of proof from one party to the opposing party in a court trial.
Assumption
The reception of the Virgin Mary bodily into heaven. This was formally declared a doctrine of the Roman Catholic Church in 1950.
Presumption
Behaviour perceived as arrogant, disrespectful, and transgressing the limits of what is permitted or appropriate
He lifted her off the ground, and she was enraged at his presumption
Assumption
Arrogance or presumption.
Presumption
Behavior or attitude that is boldly arrogant or offensive; effrontery
She was offended at the stranger's presumption in speaking in such an casual manner.
Assumption
The act of taking to or upon oneself
Assumption of an obligation.
Presumption
The act of presuming or accepting something as true
The presumption of innocence of the accused.
Assumption
The act of taking possession or asserting a claim
Assumption of command.
Presumption
A condition or basis for accepting or presuming something.
Assumption
The act of taking for granted
Assumption of a false theory.
Presumption
(Law) A conclusion applied by law as to the correctness of some fact, ordinarily subject to rebuttal by contrary evidence.
Assumption
Something taken for granted or accepted as true without proof; a supposition
A valid assumption.
Presumption
The act of presuming, or something presumed
Assumption
(Archaic) Presumption; arrogance.
Presumption
The belief of something based upon reasonable evidence, or upon something known to be true
The presumption is that an event has taken place.
Assumption
(Logic) A minor premise.
Presumption
The condition upon which something is presumed
Assumption
The act of assuming, or taking to or upon oneself; the act of taking up or adopting.
His assumption of secretarial duties was timely.
Presumption
(dated) arrogant behaviour; the act of venturing beyond due bounds of reverence or respect
Assumption
The act of taking for granted, or supposing a thing without proof; a supposition; an unwarrantable claim.
Their assumption of his guilt disqualified them from jury duty.
Presumption
(legal) 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.
Assumption
The thing supposed; a postulate, or proposition assumed; a supposition.
Presumption
The act of presuming, or believing upon probable evidence; the act of assuming or taking for granted; belief upon incomplete proof.
Assumption
(logic) The minor or second proposition in a categorical syllogism.
Presumption
Ground for presuming; evidence probable, but not conclusive; strong probability; reasonable supposition; as, the presumption is that an event has taken place.
Assumption
The taking of a person up into heaven.
Presumption
That which is presumed or assumed; that which is supposed or believed to be real or true, on evidence that is probable but not conclusive.
Assumption
A festival in honor of the ascent of the Virgin Mary into heaven, celebrated on 15 August.
Presumption
The act of venturing beyond due beyond due bounds; an overstepping of the bounds of reverence, respect, or courtesy; forward, overconfident, or arrogant opinion or conduct; presumptuousness; arrogance; effrontery.
Thy son I killed for his presumption.
I had the presumption to dedicate to you a very unfinished piece.
Assumption
(rhetoric) Assumptio.
Presumption
An assumption that is taken for granted
Assumption
The act of assuming, or taking to or upon one's self; the act of taking up or adopting.
The assumption of authority.
Presumption
(law) an inference of the truth of a fact from other facts proved or admitted or judicially noticed
Assumption
The thing supposed; a postulate, or proposition assumed; a supposition.
Hold! says the Stoic; your assumption's wrong.
Presumption
Audacious (even arrogant) behavior that you have no right to;
He despised them for their presumptuousness
Assumption
The minor or second proposition in a categorical syllogism.
Presumption
A kind of discourtesy in the form of an act of presuming;
His presumption was intolerable
Assumption
The taking of a person up into heaven.
Assumption
A statement that is assumed to be true and from which a conclusion can be drawn;
On the assumption that he has been injured we can infer that he will not to play
Assumption
A hypothesis that is taken for granted;
Any society is built upon certain assumptions
Assumption
The act of taking possession of or power over something;
His assumption of office coincided with the trouble in Cuba
The Nazi assumption of power in 1934
He acquired all the company's assets for ten million dollars and the assumption of the company's debts
Assumption
Celebration in the Roman Catholic Church of the Virgin Mary's being taken up into heaven when her earthly life ended; corresponds to the Dormition in the Eastern Orthodox church
Assumption
Audacious (even arrogant) behavior that you have no right to;
He despised them for their presumptuousness
Assumption
(Christianity) the taking up of the body and soul of the Virgin Mary when her earthly life had ended
Assumption
The act of assuming or taking for granted;
Your assumption that I would agree was unwarranted
Common Curiosities
Is it better to make an assumption or a presumption?
It depends on the context. In formal settings, presumptions based on evidence are preferred, while assumptions are useful for hypothesis generation and theoretical exploration.
Are assumptions always incorrect?
Not necessarily. Assumptions can be correct but need to be verified through evidence.
How do presumptions affect legal proceedings?
Presumptions can guide the initial stance of legal proceedings but can be overturned by conclusive evidence.
How can assumptions be tested?
Through empirical research, experimentation, and gathering evidence to support or refute them.
Can presumptions be challenged?
Yes, presumptions can be challenged and overturned with new evidence or information.
Why is the presumption of innocence important?
It ensures that everyone is treated fairly and is not considered guilty without evidence, protecting individuals' rights.
Are all presumptions based on law?
Not all, but many presumptions have legal implications, while others are based on social or logical probabilities.
Can cultural beliefs influence assumptions?
Yes, cultural beliefs and norms can significantly shape the assumptions individuals and societies make.
What is the main difference between presumption and assumption?
Presumption is based on probability or existing evidence, while assumption does not require evidence or proof.
How do presumptions and assumptions affect decision-making?
They serve as foundational beliefs that guide reasoning and conclusions, impacting the direction and outcome of decisions.
Why are assumptions necessary in hypothesis formation?
They provide a basis for proposing explanations for phenomena that have not yet been empirically tested, sparking further research and investigation.
Do assumptions play a role in scientific research?
Yes, assumptions are crucial in forming hypotheses and theoretical models in scientific research.
Can an assumption become a presumption?
Yes, if an assumption is repeatedly validated by evidence, it can evolve into a presumption.
What is a legal presumption?
A legal presumption is an inference accepted by a court as a truth until evidence to the contrary is presented.
What role do presumptions play in argumentation?
Presumptions provide a starting point or accepted belief that arguments can either support or challenge.
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Written 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.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
