The word assume has many meanings and it is used in different ways. However, there are some differences between the two words. We will try to define the difference between assume and presume so that you can understand the difference between these two words.
Assume that both phrases mean to take something for granted or to take something as true as a fact. There is a difference between the meanings of these two words. That difference depends on how much confidence the speaker or writer has in their abilities to say what they are confident of.
| Assume | Presume |
| Means to suppose or to accept as true without proof or evidence | Means to take something for granted without being asked |
| Means making guesses on little evidence. | Means making guesses on enough evidence. |
In general, when people are making a guess based on good evidence, they should assume that what they say is true. But when people make a guess based on little or no evidence, they assume that what they are saying is true. (In the legal catchphrase, there is a phrase that has a meaning of “presumed innocent until proven guilty”.
Because all legal systems allow for the presumption that everyone is innocent, it is possible that the prosecution of those who are accused must make sure that all the allegations that are made against them are true.
Definition of Assume
Assume means to suppose or to accept as true without proof or evidence; to take for granted. The phrase “to assume responsibility” means to accept responsibility for something without being asked to do so. When we say that someone “assumes a particular position”, we mean that he/she accepts this position without having been asked for it.
Definition of Presume
Presume means to take something for granted without being asked; to be confident about something, especially when there is no proof or evidence; also, the state of being presumed dead. The phrase “to presume responsibility” means to accept responsibility for something without being asked to do so. When we say that someone “presumes a particular position”, we mean that he/she accepts this position without having been asked for it.
Difference Between Assume and Presume
- To assume something means to accept it as true without proof or evidence. On the other hand, to presume something means to take it for granted without being asked for it.
- To assume responsibility means to accept responsibility for something without being asked to do so. On the other hand, to presume responsibility means to take responsibility for something without being asked to do so.
- When we say that someone “assumes a particular position”, we mean that he/she accepts this position without having been asked for it. On the other hand, when we say that someone “presumes a particular position”, we mean that he/she accepts this position without having been asked for it.
