What is the difference between 'assume' and 'presume'?

Question

I think it is a matter of tense; as in 'I presume she is married,' and 'I assumed she was married,'. Is this right?

Thanks.

Answer 1

Hello Greg,

The dictionary definition of both words are basically the same.

Therefore there is little if any difference between 'assume' & presume, it is simply a question of preference.

Poseidon

Answer 2

Assume to take for granted or without proof; suppose; postulate; posit:eg. to assume that everyone wants peace.
Presume can mean the same but it can also be to go too far in acting unwarrantably or in taking liberties (usually followed by on or upon):eg. Do not presume upon his tolerance. I assume this helps?

Answer 3

assume 1. take to be true. 2 simulate (ignorance etc.). 3 undertake (an office etc.). 4 take or put on (an aspect, attribute, etc.) (assumed immense importance).

presume 1 suppose to be true; take for granted. 2 a take the liberty, be impudent enough (presumed to question their authority). b dare, venture (may I presume to ask?). 3 be presumptuous. 4 (foll. by on, upon) take advantage of or make unscrupulous use of (a person's good nature etc.).

Answer 4

Sometimes they are interchangeable.
But you would say "He assumed the disguise of a policeman" (not 'presumed'). So it just depends on how it is used.
.

Answer 5

http://www.askoxford.com/asktheexperts/faq/usage/assume