Close in meaning
Assume vs. Presume
Assume and presume both mean to suppose something is true. Presume suggests you have some reason or evidence for the belief, while assume often means accepting it without proof. Assume also means to take on a role or duty.
| Word | Part of speech | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| assume | verb | to accept that something is true without proof or evidence |
| verb | to take on a job, role or responsibility | |
| presume | verb | to suppose something is probably true, based on what you know or have seen |
| verb | to act too boldly or without permission, as if you had the right |
Assume
verb: to accept that something is true without proof or evidence
- I assumed the store would be open on Sunday, but it was closed.
- Don't assume everyone in the group knows how to swim.
verb: to take on a job, role or responsibility
- Priya will assume the role of team leader next month.
- The new owner assumed all of the restaurant's debts.
Presume
verb: to suppose something is probably true, based on what you know or have seen
- The lights were off, so we presumed nobody was home.
- I presume you've already eaten, since it's after nine.
verb: to act too boldly or without permission, as if you had the right
- I wouldn't presume to tell a chef how to cook.
- She presumed too much when she borrowed the car without asking.
How to remember the difference
Presume has pre, like preview: you have seen some evidence before you decide. Assume can be a guess with nothing behind it.
Good to know
In everyday speech the two are often swapped, and either is usually fine for suppose. The adjective presumptuous (too bold, taking liberties) comes from the second sense of presume.
Spot the mistake
The new principal will
presumeassume her duties in August.Correct: The new principal will assume her duties in August.
I would never
assumepresume to tell you how to raise your kids.Correct: I would never presume to tell you how to raise your kids.
Check yourself
Pick the word that fits each sentence.
1. Next year, Omar will responsibility for the team's budget.
Answer: assume. The meaning is to take on a responsibility, which only assume can mean.
2. I wouldn't to give advice to someone with so much experience.
Answer: presume. The meaning is to act too boldly, as if you had the right, which is presume.