presumption
gb/pɹɪzˈʌmpʃən/ us/pɹɪzˈʌmpʃən/
C1
English
~ 9200
Senses
0 senses
Noun
formal
C1
entity
1
belief based on what seems likely
A belief that something is true because it seems likely or normal, not because you know it for sure.
Usage pattern:
the presumption that [clause] / a presumption that [clause]
Common mistake:
Learners often use "presumption" when "assumption" is more natural in everyday conversation. "Presumption" is more formal and is common in writing, academic discussion, or careful speech. Also, learners sometimes say "on a presumption"; the usual phrase is "on the presumption that...".
Synonyms
assumption (More common in everyday speech; slightly less formal than "presumption" and does not suggest any legal or conventional basis.)
Antonyms
certainty (Emphasizes that something is known for sure, not just believed because it seems likely.)
Collocations
the presumption that
|reasonable presumption
|a presumption in favor of
|a presumption against
|based on the presumption that
Themes
thinking
|communication
|academia
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- There is a general presumption that house prices will continue to rise.
- The plan was made on the presumption that funding would be approved by the end of the year.
- Her argument rests on the presumption that people are basically honest.
- The policy creates a strong presumption that employees will work from home at least two days a week.
- We should question the presumption that economic growth always leads to greater happiness.
Learner examples
- Many people have the presumption that he will win.
- We made our travel plans on the presumption that it would not rain.
- The manager acted on the presumption that the report was correct.
- There is a presumption that the store will open on time.
- Their idea is based on the presumption that the internet is safe.
Noun
formal
C1
entity
2
legal assumption taken as true
In law, an idea the court accepts as true unless someone shows strong proof that it is not true.
Usage pattern:
presumption of [noun] / legal presumption of [noun]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse "presumption of innocence" with "assumption of innocence". In legal and news contexts, the fixed and correct phrase is "presumption of innocence". Another mistake is to say "presumption for innocence"; the usual preposition is "of".
Synonyms
legal assumption (A descriptive phrase rather than a set term; makes the legal context explicit but is less standard than "presumption" in legal writing.)
Antonyms
disproof (Refers to the evidence or act that removes or overturns the presumption.)
Collocations
presumption of innocence
|legal presumption
|rebuttable presumption
|conclusive presumption
|statutory presumption
Themes
law
|politics
|rights
Examples
- Most democratic systems are built on the presumption of innocence in criminal trials.
- This rule creates a legal presumption of negligence when safety procedures are ignored.
- The presumption of innocence can only be overridden by proof beyond a reasonable doubt.
- In some jurisdictions there is a rebuttable presumption that a child should live with the primary caregiver.
- The new law establishes a presumption of equal shared parenting after divorce.
Learner examples
- In court there is a presumption of innocence.
- The judge explained that the presumption of innocence protects the suspect.
- The lawyer tried to break the presumption of guilt created by the media.
- This rule gives a presumption of support for the worker.
- The presumption of innocence is an important legal idea.
Noun
formal
C1
property
3
disrespectful or overconfident boldness
Rude or too bold behavior, when someone does something they do not really have the right to do.
Usage pattern:
the presumption to [verb] / forgive my presumption
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes think this meaning is positive because it is related to being confident. In fact, "presumption" here is negative; it suggests that someone has gone too far and has not shown proper respect. In this sense, it often appears in phrases like "forgive my presumption" or "the presumption to do something".
Synonyms
impudence (Stronger in tone, highlighting rudeness and lack of respect more than simple overconfidence.)
Antonyms
modesty (Suggests a careful, respectful attitude that avoids overstepping social boundaries.)
Collocations
forgive my presumption
|have the presumption to
|the sheer presumption
|an act of presumption
|his presumption in doing so
Themes
behavior
|social
|emotions
|relationships
|communication
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- I hope you will forgive my presumption in asking such a personal question.
- He had the presumption to tell her how to do her job on his first day.
- The sheer presumption of assuming everyone would agree left the committee speechless.
- She wrote to the director directly, and some colleagues were offended by her presumption.
- It was an act of presumption to speak for the entire team without consulting them.
Learner examples
- Please forgive my presumption, but may I give you some advice?
- He showed great presumption when he told his boss she was wrong.
- They were angry at his presumption in speaking for them.
- Her presumption made other people feel upset.
- It is a presumption to ask such a private question.
Grammar
Dictionary form
presumption
IPA
GB/pɹɪzˈʌmpʃən/
US/pɹɪzˈʌmpʃən/
Syllables & stress
pre - sump - tion (3 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (sump)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: presumption
- Plural: presumption, presumptions
Word family
Forms
presumptions
noun
Core family
presume
verb B2
presumably
adverb B2
Related words
presumptuous
adjective
presumptive
adjective
Advanced or less common
presumable
adjective
presumptively
adverb
Expressions
a presumption against
1/ə pɹɪzˈʌmpʃən əɡˈɛnst/
fixed phrase
formal
default tendency to oppose something
A general rule or starting point that is against something, unless there is a strong reason to support it.
Examples
- There is a presumption against government interference in private life.
- Many legal systems have a presumption against unnecessary detention.
a presumption in favor of
1/ə pɹɪzˈʌmpʃən ˈɪn fˈeɪvɚ əv/
fixed phrase
formal
default tendency to support something
A general rule or starting point that supports something, unless there is a strong reason to do the opposite.
Examples
- The policy creates a presumption in favor of working from home.
- There should be a presumption in favor of transparency in government decisions.
on the presumption that
1/ˈɔn ðə pɹɪzˈʌmpʃən ðˈæt/
fixed phrase
formal
doing something because you believe X
Used to say that an action is taken because someone believes that a certain thing is true.
Examples
- They invested heavily on the presumption that demand would keep growing.
- The meeting was scheduled on the presumption that everyone could attend.
presumption of innocence
1/pɹɪzˈʌmpʃən əv ˈɪnəsəns/
fixed phrase
formal
legal idea: treated as not guilty
The legal idea that a person is considered not guilty until a court decides they are guilty.
Examples
- The presumption of innocence is a key part of the justice system.
- The presumption of innocence is a cornerstone of the criminal justice system.
- Under the presumption of innocence, the defendant does not need to prove their own case.
- Media coverage should respect the presumption of innocence when reporting on suspects.