Basic Details
Word: Presumption
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: An idea you accept as true even though nobody has proved it yet. It can also mean behaviour that is too bold, as when someone acts without the right to.
Synonyms: assumption, supposition
How to Spell Presumption
Syllables: pre - sump - tion
Tricky part: A p slips in between the m and the tion, so the middle sounds like sump. Students who build it from presume often drop that p or keep the e of presume.
Watch out for: presumtion, presumpsion, presumeption, presuption
Memory tip: Presume behaves like assume and consume: drop the e, then add ption. Assumption, consumption, presumption - all three carry that hidden p.
Usage Examples
Example 1: Our plan rested on the presumption that the train would be on time.
Example 2: It was a presumption on Rohan's part to borrow his brother's bike without asking.
Example 3: The doctor began with the presumption that the fever was caused by an infection.
Fun Fact
Courts in India and many other countries follow the presumption of innocence: a person accused of a crime is treated as innocent until proved guilty.
Practise the CREST Way
Spell-o-Spell
Choose the meaning of the correctly spelt word:
1. ocasional 2. perseverence 3. presumption 4. acommodate
a) continued effort in spite of difficulties
b) to provide room or space for someone
c) happening only now and then
d) something accepted as true without proof
Show answer
d) something accepted as true without proof. Accommodate needs two c's and two m's, perseverance ends in ance and occasional has a double c, so presumption is the one to define.
Word Cookie
Find the extra letter in the word:
presumeption
a) p
b) e
c) t
d) u
Show answer
b) e. The e of presume is dropped before ption is added.
Word Connection
Choose the synonym of the word 'presumption' as used in the sentence:
Planning a picnic for Sunday on the presumption that it will not rain is risky in July.
a) assumption
b) proof
c) refusal
d) decision
Show answer
a) assumption. A presumption is something you assume, which is the opposite of having proof.
Multiple Choice Questions
1. If a boy reads his sister's diary without asking her, his action shows ____.
a) gratitude
b) modesty
c) presumption
d) patience
Show answer
c) presumption
2. Which verb is presumption formed from?
a) prescribe
b) pretend
c) preserve
d) presume
Show answer
d) presume
