Presume or Assume?

Posted by: Josef Essberger
People are often unsure about the difference between these two words. Indeed, they are very close in meaning. to presume something (verb):Β  to believe something to be true, but without being 100% sure I presume you’ll come to my party. (I’ll be surprised if you don’t come, but I’ll accept your decision.) to assume something […]

People are often unsure about the difference between these two words. Indeed, they are very close in meaning.

to presume something (verb):Β  to believe something to be true, but without being 100% sure

  • I presume you’ll come to my party. (I’ll be surprised if you don’t come, but I’ll accept your decision.)

to assume something (verb):Β  to take something for granted, to believe it without question

  • I assume you’ll come to my party. (I expect to see you at my party. I will want to know why if you don’t come.)

Posted by Josef Essberger January 2009
Josef founded EnglishClub for learners and teachers of English in 1997

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