Definition

1. Noun:
   • An act or instance of presuming; behavior or attitude perceived as overstepping bounds, showing undue confidence, or lacking proper respect: An act of taking something for granted or behaving with excessive boldness, often considered rude or arrogant.
   • A belief or assumption based on reasonable evidence or probability; something that is accepted as true until proven otherwise: An inference or conclusion drawn from known facts or circumstances.
   • (Law) An inference as to the existence or truth of a fact, drawn from other facts that are known or proved: A legal principle where a fact is assumed true based on established evidence, shifting the burden of proof.

Examples of Usage

• Noun (Behavioral):
  • It was sheer presumption for him to make such an important decision without consulting the board.
  • Her presumption in speaking for the entire group was met with silence.
• Noun (Logical/Legal):
  • The presumption of innocence is a fundamental principle in many legal systems.
  • There is a strong presumption that the sun will rise tomorrow, based on consistent past experience.

Advanced Usage

• "A presumption of fact": A conclusion about a fact that is drawn from other established facts, but which can be rebutted by contrary evidence.
  • The court operated on a presumption of fact that the letter had been received, as it was sent via registered mail.
• "To act on/under the presumption that...": To behave based on the assumption that something is true.
  • We are acting on the presumption that the funding will be approved, so we have started preliminary work.

Variants and Related Words

• Presumptive (adj): Based on a reasonable assumption or probability.
  • He is the presumptive heir to the estate.
• Presumptuous (adj): Failing to observe the limits of what is permitted or appropriate; overly bold or confident.
  • It was presumptuous of him to assume he was invited.

Synonyms

• Assumption: Something accepted as true without proof.
• Arrogance: An attitude of superiority manifested in an overbearing manner.
• Effrontery: Insolent or impertinent behavior.

Related Phrases

• "Rebuttable presumption" (Legal): A presumption that can be overturned by presenting contrary evidence.
  • The defendant's claim of self-defense created a rebuttable presumption that needed to be examined.
• "Conclusive presumption" (Legal): A presumption that cannot be challenged by any additional evidence.
  • In that jurisdiction, a child under ten is under a conclusive presumption of incapacity to commit a crime.

Related Idioms

• "Presumption of guilt": The assumption that a person is guilty, often used to criticize a process that does not uphold the principle of "innocent until proven guilty."
  • The media coverage created a public presumption of guilt before the trial even began.

Noun

1. a kind of discourtesy in the form of an act of presuming
   • his presumption was intolerable
2. audacious (even arrogant) behavior that you have no right to
   • he despised them for their presumptuousness
3. (law) an inference of the truth of a fact from other facts proved or admitted or judicially noticed
4. an assumption that is taken for granted