Both verbs can describe accepting something as true before it is certain.
The idea
Assume often emphasizes taking something for granted; presume often suggests some grounds. Their meanings overlap.
| Verb | Typical emphasis |
|---|---|
| assume | take something as true, possibly without evidence |
| presume | suppose something is true, often on reasonable grounds |
Examples
- I assumed the café was open, but I had not checked its hours.
- Without asking, Maya assumed that everyone wanted tea.
- For the calculation, assume that the road is completely flat.
- The lights were off, so we presumed the office had closed.
- Given the fresh footprints, the ranger presumed someone had passed recently.
- Since the parcel had a return label, Leo presumed it could be sent back.
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Watch out
Do not treat presume as proof: a reasonable supposition can still be wrong.
Try it yourself
Choose the correct word or words. After the director left, Sam agreed to ___ responsibility for the project. (assume / presume)
Show answer or example answer
assume
assume: Taking responsibility is the established expression here.
Choose the correct word or words. I would not ___ to tell a skilled chef how to season the soup. (assume / presume)
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presume
presume: The construction means daring to do something without the right.
Choose the correct word or words. The train is usually punctual, so we can ___ it will arrive on time, though we cannot be certain. (assume / presume)
Show answer or example answer
assume / presume
assume / presume: The train’s usual punctuality supports the belief, and either verb works.
Practice round
Answer questions and rebuild English sentences to practise. Your score is shown.
Choose the correct word or words. After the director left, Sam agreed to ___ responsibility for the project. (assume / presume)
Choose the correct word or words. I would not ___ to tell a skilled chef how to season the soup. (assume / presume)
Choose the correct word or words. The train is usually punctual, so we can ___ it will arrive on time, though we cannot be certain. (assume / presume)
Tap the words in the right order.
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Describe an unchecked belief and another based on a clue.