presumptive
Having a good reason to believe that something is true means that it is presumptive — you could call a person you assume will be nominated for school president the "presumptive nominee."
After an election, when the votes are still being counted but it's clear who the winner will be, reporters often talk about that person as the presumptive winner. And if a doctor were fairly certain you had strep throat, she might call it her presumptive diagnosis. The Latin root word is praesumptionem, which means "confidence or audacity."
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having a reasonable basis for belief or acceptance
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affording reasonable grounds for belief or acceptance“presumptive evidence”“a strong presumptive case is made out”synonyms:
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Vocabulary lists containing presumptive
Ruth Bader Ginsburg, the second woman to serve on the Supreme Court, died of pancreatic cancer on September 18 at the age of 87. Appointed by President Clinton in 1993, she became well-known as an advocate for women's equality; her dissent in the 2007 Ledbetter case is credited with inspiring the Fair Pay Act of 2009. Hailed as a brilliant legal scholar and an inspiration to millions, she earned the monicker "Notorious RBG." Just prior to her death, she said, "My most fervent wish is that I will not be replaced until a new president is installed." This list includes words from her writings, speeches, and Supreme Court decisions.
Following the Watergate break-in scandal (1972-1974), a subpoena was issued for tapes and papers related to meetings held by Richard Nixon in the Oval Office. The president claimed "executive privilege" to withhold the evidence, but the Supreme Court rejected his immunity claiming that no person is beyond the law. This decision reinforced the impeachment process and led to Nixon's resignation. These words are from the unanimous opinion written by Warren Burger. Read the full text here.
In this engaging and accessible book, scientist Carl Sagan explores fourteen billion years of cosmic history and evolution.