presumption

/prəˈzʌmpʃɪn/

/prəˈzʌmpʃən/

Other forms: presumptions

The noun presumption pretty much means jumping to conclusions. It is taking something for granted — an idea, an answer, an event — without having any real knowledge about it, and that is usually not a good thing.

Making a presumption means assuming something is true or false without getting all the information necessary for verification. You can decipher this from the prefix pre, which means "before," together with the sume — from the Latin sumere, "to take." Because so many times a presumption turns out to be false, the word has a negative connotation to it; there's something reckless about making up your mind before you know all the facts.

Definitions of presumption

1. noun

   an assumption that is taken for granted
   synonyms: given, precondition

   type of:

   assumption, supposal, supposition

   a hypothesis that is taken for granted
2. noun

   (law) an inference of the truth of a fact from other facts proved or admitted or judicially noticed
   type of:

   illation, inference

   the reasoning involved in drawing a conclusion or making a logical judgment on the basis of circumstantial evidence and prior conclusions rather than on the basis of direct observation
3. noun

   a kind of discourtesy in the form of an act of presuming
   “his presumption was intolerable”

   type of:

   discourtesy, offence, offense, offensive activity

   a lack of politeness; a failure to show regard for others; wounding the feelings or others
4. noun

   audacious (even arrogant) behavior that you have no right to
   synonyms: assumption, effrontery, presumptuousness

   types:

   uppishness, uppityness

   assumption of airs beyond one's station

   type of:

   audaciousness, audacity

   aggressive boldness or unmitigated effrontery