Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
Presume \Pre*sume"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Presumed}; p. pr. &
vb. n. {Presuming}.] [F. pr['e]sumer, L. praesumere,
praesumptum; prae before + sumere to take. See {Assume},
{Redeem}.]
1. To assume or take beforehand; esp., to do or undertake
without leave or authority previously obtained.
Dare he presume to scorn us in this manner? --Shak.
Bold deed thou hast presumed, adventurous Eve.
--Milton.
2. To take or suppose to be true, or entitled to belief,
without examination or proof, or on the strength of
probability; to take for granted; to infer; to suppose.
Every man is to be presumed innocent till he is
proved to be guilty. --Blackstone.
What rests but that the mortal sentence pass, . . .
Which he presumes already vain and void, Because not
yet inflicted? --Milton.
Presume \Pre*sume"\, v. i.
1. To suppose or assume something to be, or to be true, on
grounds deemed valid, though not amounting to proof; to
believe by anticipation; to infer; as, we may presume too
far.
2. To venture, go, or act, by an assumption of leave or
authority not granted; to go beyond what is warranted by
the circumstances of the case; to venture beyond license;
to take liberties; -- often with on or upon before the
ground of confidence.
Do not presume too much upon my love. --Shak.
This man presumes upon his parts. --Locke.
Source : WordNet®
presume
v 1: take to be the case or to be true; accept without
verification or proof; "I assume his train was late"
[syn: {assume}, {take for granted}]
2: take upon oneself; act presumptuously, without permission;
"How dare you call my lawyer?" [syn: {make bold}, {dare}]
3: constitute reasonable evidence for; "A restaurant bill
presumes the consumption of food"
4: take liberties or act with too much confidence