presume

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: B2 — Upper-Intermediate

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. verb take to be the case or to be true; accept without verification or proof
  2. verb take upon oneself; act presumptuously, without permission
  3. verb constitute reasonable evidence for

Etymology

From Middle English presumen, from Anglo-Norman presumer and its source, Latin praesūmere (“to take beforehand, anticipate”), from prae- + sūmere (“to take”).

In classic literature

Synonyms

assume, take for granted

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