presume

Universal Words verb 1 to suppose that sth is true, although you do not have actual proof SYNASSUME: [V] They are very expensive, I presume? * 'Is he still abroad?' 'I presume so.' * [V(that)] I presumed (that) he understood the rules. * [VNthat] Little is known of the youngest son; it is presumed that he died young. * [VNtoinf] I presumed him to be her husband. 2 to accept that sth is true until it is shown not to be true, especially in a court of law: [VN-ADJ] Twelve passengers are missing, presumed dead. * In English law, a person is presumed innocent until proved guilty. * [VN] We must presume innocence until we have proof of guilt. [also VNtoinf] 3 [VN] (formal) to accept sth as true or existing and to act on that basis SYNPRESUPPOSE: The course seems to presume some previous knowledge of the subject. 4 [Vtoinf] (formal) to behave in a way that shows a lack of respect by doing sth that you have no right to do: I wouldn't presume to tell you how to run your own business. PHRASALVERBS presume on / upon sb/sth (formal) to make use of sb's friendship by asking them for more than you should: [+toinf] I felt it would be presuming on our personal relationship to keep asking her for help.