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The Difference Between Assume and Presume
Assume and presume both mean "to take something for granted" or "to take something as true," but the words differ in the degree of confidence the person assuming or presuming has. Presume is used when someone is making an informed guess based on reasonable evidence. Assume is used when the guess is based on little or no evidence.
Presume functions a little differently in the legal catchphrase "presumed innocent until proven guilty." That sense of presume is separately defined as "to suppose to be true without proof." It is based on the fact that legal systems grant a defendant the presumption of innocence, thereby placing the burden of proof on the prosecution.
Examples of assume in a Sentence
Georg Szalai, The Hollywood Reporter, 29 Apr. 2024
According to his model — and, crucially, assuming the rate of inflation drops immediately to the Fed’s forecast of 2.5 percent annually — there would be an eight percentage point increase in consumer sentiment by November.
—Jeff Sommer, New York Times, 26 Apr. 2024
The coach also said the more diminutive wideout — Worthy measured 5 foot 11 and 165 pounds at the NFL Combine — had more strength than might be assumed.
—Jesse Newell, Kansas City Star, 26 Apr. 2024
The character has often been one he’s assumed to deliver his more aggressive and violent lyrics, which branded him as a controversial rapper from the start of his career.
—Steven J. Horowitz, Variety, 26 Apr. 2024
Cal State San Marcos (25-15, 24-11 CCAA) swept its four-game series last week against San Francisco State to assume first place in the California Collegiate Athletic Conference.
—Kirk Kenney, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Apr. 2024
And, assuming there was no immunity, could a past commander in chief have been prosecuted, like Franklin D. Roosevelt for certain controversial actions taken during World War II?
—Devin Dwyer, ABC News, 25 Apr. 2024
Many assumed that this decision had been Navalny’s wish.
—Simon Shuster / Vilnius, TIME, 17 Apr. 2024
Miss Manners assumes a willing compliance — and that dirty laundry that is suspiciously heavy can be assumed not to be ready for the current load.
—Jacobina Martin, Washington Post, 17 Apr. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'assume.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“Assume.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/assume. Accessed 3 May. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
assume
verb
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