Assume vs. Presume

You might think 'assume' and 'presume' have the same meaning, but let me tell you this: they are slightly different. Let's learn all about them.

What Is Their Main Difference?

Both of these words refer to making suppositions and guesses. However, 'assume' indicates guessing something without any proof, but 'presume' shows guessing something based on actual proof and evidence.

Differences

'Assume' is used when we want to make a guess without any background knowledge and proof. Look:

I assume the final cost of the building will be out of our budget.

After Miss Hale, Joanna assumed the position of the prime minister.

When 'presuming' something, we have some evidence for our guesses so we are more confident in announcing it. Look at the following examples for more clarification:

Since I had seen him hesitate when answering my question, I presumed that he might be lying.

I fired her cause she presumed to boss around as if she's in charge of everything.

Similarities

We use both of the verbs to indicate making a guess. Check out the following examples:

I assume we're on good terms with each other, then?

The researchers have presumed that this was the era in which rock and roll music died.

Are They Interchangeable?

Despite their close meanings, it is better not to use them interchangeably because you might confuse the speaker or provide incorrect information. Compare:

✓ He assumed I was the one responsible for the death of my mother.

Here, the sentence is pointing out that there was no evidence to prove his guess.

✓ He presumed I was the one responsible for the death of my mother.

Here, the sentence indicates that he had some evidence to prove what he was guessing.

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