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presumptuous

/prəˈzʌmptʃuəs/
/prəˈzʌmptʃuəs/
IPA guide

When someone takes liberties, doing things too boldly, you can describe them with the adjective presumptuous.

Presumptuous comes from the Latin verb praesumere which means to take for granted. It means taking for granted your access to someone or power to do something. It's a very satisfying and effective word because it belittles and criticizes at the same time. In Shakespeare's Henry VI, Northumberland calls Warwick "presumptuous and proud" for trying to get rid of the king. It's usually pronounced with all four syllables, pre-ZUMP-choo-us, although pre-ZUMP-chus is acceptable as well.

Definitions of presumptuous
  1. adjective
    excessively forward
    “the duchess would not put up with presumptuous servants”
    synonyms: assuming, assumptive
    forward
    used of temperament or behavior; lacking restraint or modesty
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