What is the differerance between the words assume and presume?

Answer 1

Both 'assume' and 'presume' have more than one usages. Hence, I prefer to confine my answer strictly to the area of your confusion.

If you ASSUME that something is true, you accept that it is true although you have had no real proof of it. If you PRESUME that something is the case, you decide that it is very likely to be the case, although you cannot be certain. So, the difference in meaning is subtle and these two words are often interchangeably used. But, the main difference lies in the structure of sentences you construct with them :
ASSUME :
(1) verb intran + reported clause (that, what etc) Example - When Liza has a degree in French, people assume that she can speak French fluently.
(2) verb tran + infinitive. Example - Liza was mistakenly assumed to be an Indian.
PRESUME :
(1) verb intran + reported clause. Example - If Liza does not reply I presume that she is angry with me.
(2) verb intran + not/so. 'Are we walking to the hotel?' 'I presume not/so'.

Answer 2

First let's get clear with the meanings of these two words before fixing / identifying the difference.

Assume means, 'to think or accept something as TRUE without having any proof. It also has a second meaning, 'to take charge'

On the other hand (fingers are different! j/k)

PRESUME means 'To suppose that something is TRUE although you don't have a proof.

Second Meaning: To accept something as True until it is shown it is not true.

The third one is the most important: To accept something as TRUE or EXISTING & TO ACT ON THAT BASIS.

4.to behave in a way that shows a lack of respectby doing something that you've no right to do.

Both the words are verbs with noun forms, Assumption & Presumption.

Here is one good example:

1. I asumed that you won't turn up / come.. People in ancient times assumed the Earth was flat. (But didn't act upon it & tried to escape falling from its edge!)

2.I left the place Presuming that you won't come / turn up.
(Acting on the supposition).

In a simple way, I used to assume, 'Presume' is nothing but PRE-ASSUME!

PRESUME = PRE + Assume! When Assume itself is thinking / accepting before the proof!

Assume is to accept; Presume is to SUPPOSE & act on the supposition.

Don't worry! You can't use them interchangingly as they've a difference in meaning.

Answer 3

hmm, maybe that presume means something you think may happen in the future and assume is something you think about the current situation... that made no sense... Look in the dictionary.

Dude, why do people enter periods and then go about looking up the answer so they can go back and edit and be the first answer? Thats so stupid.

Answer 4

ASSUME:
1. To take upon oneself: assume responsibility; assume another's debts.
2. To undertake the duties of (an office): assumed the presidency.
3. To take on; adopt: "The god assumes a human form" (John Ruskin).
4. To put on; don: The queen assumed a velvet robe.
5. To affect the appearance or possession of; feign. See synonyms at PRETEND.
6. To take for granted; suppose: assumed that prices would rise. See synonyms at PRESUME.
7. To take over without justification; seize: assume control.
8. Theology. To take up or receive into heaven.


PRESUME:
1. To take for granted as being true in the absence of proof to the contrary.
2. To give reasonable evidence for assuming; appear to prove.
3. To venture without authority or permission; dare: He presumed to invite himself to dinner.

verb, intransitive
1. To act overconfidently; take liberties.
2. To take unwarranted advantage of something; go beyond the proper limits: Don't presume on their hospitality.
3. To take for granted that something is true or factual; suppose: That's the new assistant, I presume.

Answer 5

Not much. In usual conversation there's no difference. In my mind though "presume" means that for for a long time you've had the idea being "PRE-sumed", however, "assume" tends to imply your "immediate opinion" about the idea underconsideration.

Answer 6

In short, to assume is passive (with the exception of "assuming" command of something; military), while to presume is active.

Answer 7

Thank you for asking that!!!! my husband aslways corrects me when i say assume and tells me its presume. It drives me nuts. I dont think there is a difference. Its a matter of what you prefer to say.. But im curious to see your answers..

Answer 8

presume

One entry found for presume.
Main Entry:pre·sume
Pronunciation:pri-'züm
Function:verb
Inflected Form(s):pre·sumed; pre·sum·ing
Etymology:Middle English, from Late Latin & Anglo-French; Anglo-French presumer, from Late Latin praesumere to dare, from Latin, to anticipate, assume, from prae- + sumere to take -- more at CONSUME
transitive verb
1 : to undertake without leave or clear justification : DARE
2 : to expect or assume especially with confidence
3 : to suppose to be true without proof
4 : to take for granted : IMPLY
intransitive verb
1 : to act or proceed presumptuously or on a presumption
2 : to go beyond what is right or proper
- pre·sumed·ly /-'zü-m&d-lE, -'zümd-lE/ adverb
- pre·sum·er noun

assume

One entry found for assume.
Main Entry:as·sume
Pronunciation:&-'süm
Function:transitive verb
Inflected Form(s):as·sumed; as·sum·ing
Etymology:Middle English, from Latin assumere, from ad- + sumere to take -- more at CONSUME
1 a : to take up or in : RECEIVE b : to take into partnership, employment, or use
2 a : to take to or upon oneself : UNDERTAKE b : PUT ON, DON c : to place oneself in
3 : SEIZE, USURP
4 : to pretend to have or be : FEIGN
5 : to take as granted or true : SUPPOSE
6 : to take over (the debts of another) as one's own
- as·sum·abil·i·ty /-"sü-m&-'bi-l&-tE/ noun
- as·sum·able /-'sü-m&-b&l/ adjective
- as·sum·ably /-blE/ adverb

Answer 9

One thing that I was taught in nursing class some 30 years ago was to never ASSUME anything because when you break the word down it makes an

A**....out of ..... U.......and ...... ME

Answer 10

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