presuming
Definition
- Adjective:
- Overly confident or bold: "presuming" describes someone who acts with excessive self-assurance, often taking liberties or assuming privileges without proper justification.
- Taking unfair advantage: It can also refer to behavior that exploits a situation or relationship inappropriately.
Usage Examples
- (He acted with excessive confidence, assuming he had authority.)
- (She took a liberty without being invited.)
Advanced Usage
"to be presuming": to behave in a way that assumes more than is warranted.
- It was presuming of him to speak on her behalf without asking. (He acted with unwarranted boldness.)
"presuming upon": to take unfair advantage of something, such as someone's kindness.
- He was presuming upon her generosity by asking for yet another loan. (He exploited her goodwill.)
Variants and Related Words
Presume (verb): to assume something is true without proof; to take liberties.
- I presume you are tired after the long journey. (I assume without certainty.)
Presumption (noun): an assumption or belief; also, behavior that is overly confident.
- His presumption that he would be promoted annoyed his colleagues. (His assumption was unwarranted.)
Presumptuous (adjective): behaving with unwarranted confidence or boldness (similar to "presuming").
- It was presumptuous of him to claim credit for her work. (He acted with excessive boldness.)
Synonyms
- Arrogant: having an exaggerated sense of one's own importance.
- Bold: showing a willingness to take risks; often implies rudeness.
- Forward: overly familiar or presumptuous in manner.
Related Idioms
"To presume too much": to assume something incorrectly or take excessive liberties.
- He presumed too much by thinking he could use her car without asking. (He assumed permission he didn't have.)
"Presume on someone's patience": to take advantage of someone's tolerance.
- She presumed on his patience by constantly interrupting. (She exploited his forbearance.)