presumption Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun an assumption that is taken for granted
    given; precondition.
  2. noun (law) an inference of the truth of a fact from other facts proved or admitted or judicially noticed
  3. noun audacious (even arrogant) behavior that you have no right to
    assumption; presumptuousness; effrontery.
    • he despised them for their presumptuousness
  4. noun a kind of discourtesy in the form of an act of presuming
    • his presumption was intolerable

WordNet

Pre*sump"tion noun
Etymology
L. praesumptio: cf. F. présomption, OF. also presumpcion. See Presume.
Definitions
  1. The act of presuming, or believing upon probable evidence; the act of assuming or taking for granted; belief upon incomplete proof.
  2. Ground for presuming; evidence probable, but not conclusive; strong probability; reasonable supposition; as, the presumption is that an event has taken place.
  3. That which is presumed or assumed; that which is supposed or believed to be real or true, on evidence that is probable but not conclusive. "In contradiction to these very plausible presumptions." De Quincey.
  4. The act of venturing beyond due beyond due bounds; an overstepping of the bounds of reverence, respect, or courtesy; forward, overconfident, or arrogant opinion or conduct; presumptuousness; arrogance; effrontery.
    Thy son I killed for his presumption. Shak.
    I had the presumption to dedicate to you a very unfinished piece. Dryden.

Webster 1913