presume Meaning, Definition & Usage

verb take to be the case or to be true; accept without verification or proof
assume; take for granted.
- I assume his train was late
verb take upon oneself; act presumptuously, without permission
make bold; dare.
- How dare you call my lawyer?
verb constitute reasonable evidence for
- A restaurant bill presumes the consumption of food
verb take liberties or act with too much confidence

F. présumer, L. praesumere, praesumptum; prae before + sumere to take. See Assume, Redeem.

imperfect & past participle Presumed ; present participle & verbal noun Presuming

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? Shak.

Bold deed thou hast presumed, adventurous Eve. Milton.
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. Blackstone.

What rests but that the mortal sentence pass, . . . Which he presumes already vain and void, Because not yet inflicted? Milton.

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.
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. Shak.

This man presumes upon his parts. Locke.