Oh jeez! Another set of words that look so similar and are defined similarly yet have the smallest difference. Keep reading if you want to know the difference between assume and presume.
Analogies are used to explain how two things relate to each other. Assume and presume to have similar etymological roots and derives from the Latin language. Assume and Presume are spelled almost same, apart from for their prefixes. So their distinctive qualities give them unique meaning and usage. Assume means “Suppose” while Presume means “suppose and probability”.
Let’s break down the explanations even further:
Assume
Assume is a verb that means to suppose, take for granted, take upon, pretend to do so, or undertake a task. Assume is used when someone guesses without evidence. But that’s not the exclusive thing you could be saying. You can also use assume as taking responsibility for a duty or undertaking a task.
Let’s use Harry Potter as a scenario to see how the author used assume:
In Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling: “The Sirius Black had covered the walls with banners so that small portion of the walls’ was detectable. Harry could only assume that Sirius’s parents had not been capable of taking out the Permanent Sticking Charm that kept them on the wall because he was confident they would not have cherished their eldest son’s taste in decoration.” In that scenario, Harry does not know whether this is the cause the posters remain on the wall. He is making a judgment without any proof.
Examples
Accept without verification
1. I assume her train was late.
Take on a specific attribute
2. She assumed strange manners to me.
Occupy or take on
3. Joe assumes the lotus location.
Take on responsibilities
4. When will the new CEO assume office?
Seize without Authority
5. She assumed to herself the right to fill all positions in the city.
Presume
Presume is a verb that means to “take for granted” or “to suppose” but presume carries another meaning like probability, and “to act or to undertake with undue boldness or without permission”.
In law, it leads to believing something as true in the lack of proof of its falsity. If you presume, that’s mean you act as though it is valid before all the evidence is in.
The well-known quote “Dr. Livingstone, I presume?” introduces Henry Stanley, who surprisingly came along to the explorer David Livingstone in wild Africa in 1871. It’s humorous because these were the only two white men known to be in that portion of Africa at the time.
Examples
Basis of probability
1. Two of the reporters who went missing are presumed dead.
Taking on an attitude
2. He had presumed too great a level of knowledge.
Constitute a piece of reasonable evidence for
3. A restaurant bill presumes the intake of food.
To suppose
4. I presumed Jack would be late because traffic is terrible.
5. My boss presumed I can handle this project based on my experience.
So what now?
Now is an excellent time to take your new knowledge to use! There’s no better way to ensure your subconscious mind will remember the differences than to actively practice!
For some quick practice, simply create a couple of examples for both assume and presume. But if you have more time, create an example for every scenario as seen in the text. Do not be too hard on yourself, if you are struggling, ask for help!
To make sure you are using them correctly, you can always send them to a friend who knows English well (or even better, a native speaker!) or you can even send us your examples and then we can make sure you are using them correctly.
Good luck!
Your teacher,
Dawn
