presumption
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.
the presumption that [clause] / a presumption that [clause]
- 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.
- 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.
legal assumption taken as true
In law, an idea the court accepts as true unless someone shows strong proof that it is not true.
presumption of [noun] / legal presumption of [noun]
- 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.
- 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.
disrespectful or overconfident boldness
Rude or too bold behavior, when someone does something they do not really have the right to do.
the presumption to [verb] / forgive my presumption
- 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.
- 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.
- Base: presumption
- Plural: presumption, presumptions
a presumption against
1default tendency to oppose something
A general rule or starting point that is against something, unless there is a strong reason to support it.
- There is a presumption against government interference in private life.
- Many legal systems have a presumption against unnecessary detention.
a presumption in favor of
1default tendency to support something
A general rule or starting point that supports something, unless there is a strong reason to do the opposite.
- 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
1doing something because you believe X
Used to say that an action is taken because someone believes that a certain thing is true.
- 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
1legal idea: treated as not guilty
The legal idea that a person is considered not guilty until a court decides they are guilty.
- 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.