presume: Meaning and Definition of

pre•sume

Pronunciation: (pri-zm'), [key]
— v., -sumed, -sum•ing.
—v.t.
  1. to take for granted, assume, or suppose: I presume you're tired after your drive.
  2. to assume as true in the absence of proof to the contrary.
  3. to undertake with unwarrantable boldness.
  4. to undertake (to do something) without right or permission: to presume to speak for another.
—v.i.
  1. to take something for granted; suppose.
  2. to act or proceed with unwarrantable or impertinent boldness.
  3. to go too far in acting unwarrantably or in taking liberties (usually fol. by on or upon): Do not presume upon his tolerance.
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.
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