Difference Between Presume and Assume

“Presume” and “assume” are used interchangeably, but they carry subtle differences in meaning. When we presume something, we make an educated guess based on available evidence or prior knowledge. It implies a higher degree of confidence and is rooted in a more informed context. On the other hand, assuming involves taking something for granted without necessarily having solid grounds or thorough information. It’s more about taking a leap without as much certainty. So, while both words involve making suppositions, the level of confidence and the basis for those beliefs distinguish the nuances between presuming and assuming.

Comparison Chart

What is Presume?

The word presume is a verb. It means to infer, guess or suppose. Presume means to suppose based on a probability. It has a sort of guess with a likelihood of happening.

Presume is derived from a Latin word meaning ‘to take liberty’ or ‘to take for granted. Presume has the prefix ‘pre’ involved in it which carries some weight on the user using it.

In presume, the user takes charge of using the word with having a possibility of happening it due to some repetitional behaviour. One takes the edge of using the word ‘presume’ in the context of a series of events that happened before. Presume is a guess, but it is not a wild guess. The guess carries some responsibility for happening.

The word ‘presume’ itself is not used to mean getting sure of something actually happening, but one is sure of it to happen because it took place in the past in the same repeating pattern.

Presume can also mean having a belief of something most likely to happen, without having solid proof of it happening. No hint is involved in it, but it is your mind making you think of it to happen, due to some feasibility of happening it in past.

Examples in Everyday Language

Casual Conversations

In everyday language, “presume” can be casually inserted to convey a sense of likelihood. For example, “I presume we’ll meet at the usual spot,” suggests an assumption based on past patterns.

Clarification

When seeking clarification, one might use “presume” to politely express uncertainty. For instance, “I presume you meant to schedule the meeting for next week?”

Examples of “Presume“

1. I presume that the meeting will start at 10 AM, based on the usual schedule.
2. She didn’t confirm her attendance, but I presume she’ll be at the party tonight.
3. We can presume that the project will be completed by the end of the month.
4. The detective presumed the suspect’s innocence until proven guilty.
5. Let’s not presume their intentions without proper communication.

What is Assume?

The word assume is a transitive verb meaning to take upon one’s self as a responsibility. From a larger perspective, assume implies accepting something without questioning its certainty.

In assumption, the user does not even try to think of having a reason or proof of saying. One merely uses the word assume without even giving a second thought to the verification of what one is saying.

Assume is more towards taking the acceptance of something without any doubt, or without having a clue about its proof.

Assume is used when one only wants to suppose. It has no sort of guessing involved, it just is used to assume something abruptly.

The user has no burden to analyse the originality of the supposition. Assume is accepting without evidence. It is the acceptance of something without evaluating its validation.

One can assume anything, anywhere and in any form one likes. It depends on the person using it to use it as, and how he likes it. In fact, the user is blame-free for supposing something that may not happen anytime.

Examples of “Assume“

1. Don’t assume that everyone will agree with your point of view.
2. It’s unwise to assume that the weather will always be sunny during the vacation.
3. Never assume that a task is easy without understanding its complexities.
4. She assumed the responsibility of managing the team in the absence of the leader.
5. We should not assume that all problems can be solved with the same approach.

Difference Between Presume and Assume

• Definition:
  • Presume:
    • Presume refers to making an assumption based on reasonable evidence or probability. It implies a higher degree of confidence or certainty in the assumption.
  • Assume:
    • Assume involves taking something for granted without solid evidence or proof. It involves accepting a fact or situation without questioning or verifying it.
• Basis of Belief:
  • Presume:
    • Presumptions are grounded in logical reasoning, past experiences, or observable facts.
  • Assume:
    • Assumptions may lack a solid foundation and might be based on mere conjecture, intuition, or unverified information.
• Degree of Confidence:
  • Presume:
    • Presuming carries a sense of confidence and is more likely to be accurate or justifiable.
  • Assume:
    • Assumptions may lack a strong basis, leading to a lower degree of confidence. They are more prone to being speculative or uncertain.
• Context:
  • Presume:
    • Presumptions are made in situations where there is some supporting evidence or a rational basis for making the assumption.
  • Assume:
    • Assumptions can be made in various contexts, even in the absence of substantial evidence. They are influenced by personal beliefs, biases, or expectations.
• Usage in Communication:
  • Presume:
    • Presuming is sometimes used when there is a certain level of expectation or probability involved.
  • Assume:
    • Assuming is used when one takes something as true without explicit confirmation or proof.
• Implications:
  • Presume:
    • Presuming implies a more thoughtful and justifiable belief, with a basis that can be explained or understood.
  • Assume:
    • Assuming may carry a sense of risk or uncertainty, as the assumption might not be well-founded or supported.
• Examples:
  • Presume:
    • “Based on his expertise in the field, we can presume that his analysis is accurate.”
  • Assume:
    • “I assume the meeting is at 3 p.m. since that’s the usual time, but I haven’t received any confirmation.”

References

1. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/0021886393294003
2. https://journals.aps.org/pre/abstract/10.1103/PhysRevE.87.062136