ASSUME vs PRESUME – How to Use These Words Correctly!

This video summarizes some simple rules regarding the use of ASSUME vs PRESUME. Avoid making errors in your speech and writing by examining the illustrated sentence examples.

Here is a transcript of the video: “ASSUME vs PRESUME – What’s the Difference?”

Slide 2:
Just a quick reminder:

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Slide 3:
In this video we will consider . . .

Slides 4-9:

1. The main similarity between ASSUME and PRESUME
2. The main difference between ASSUME and PRESUME
3. The meaning of ASSUME with Illustrated Sentence Examples
4. The meaning of PRESUME with Illustrated Sentence Examples
5. An additional way in which ASSUME is often used
6. An additional way in which PRESUME is often used

So let’s start with . . .

Slide 10:
The main similarity between ASSUME and PRESUME:
Both words refer to a belief about something before it happens

And now . . .

Slide 11:
The main difference between ASSUME and PRESUME:
Probability related to evidence.
When you assume, you are not really sure, due to lack of evidence.
When you presume, you believe it’s probable, rather than just possible, because of evidence to support your opinion.

Let’s now look at the definitions with illustrated sentence examples:

Slide 12:
ASSUME (n. ASSUMPTION)
Definition: to take for granted, to suppose, to guess, to formulate an opinion without solid evidence

Slide 13:
In the picture we see a man in the street looking at his watch.

Sentence example: When his wife was late for their appointment, he assumed she was caught up in heavy traffic.

So in assuming, he has an idea but it’s a guess, he’s not really sure.

Slide 14:
In the picture we see a woman with a temperature, holding her head.

Sentence example: It could be dangerous to assume that the only symptoms of COVID are coughing, loss of smell, and fever.

Here the meaning is that it’s unwise to just assume or guess that these are the only symptoms of COVID without proper diagnosis and more information.

Now let’s look at PRESUME.

Slide 15:
PRESUME
Definition: to suppose something based on evidence or probability

Slide 16:
In the picture we see a woman in her kitchen preparing to cook, looking at her mobile phone.

Sentence example: When she saw on her traffic app there was a major road accident nearby, she presumed her husband would be late home for dinner.

In this example she can be more certain about the time her husband would come home as she saw evidence on her traffic app regarding a probable delay.

Slide 17:
The picture shows the famous meeting in the 19th century in Africa between Welsh-American explorer and journalist Henry Stanley and Dr. David Livingstone, a Scottish missionary and explorer.

Sentence example: “Dr. Livingstone I presume?”

After months searching for Dr. Livingstone, he finally saw a European surrounded by Africans, which made it highly probable that this was Dr. Livingstone.

Now let’s go back to the word ASSUME and note another meaning:

Slide 18:
ASSUME – additional meaning
Definition: to begin to have power or responsibility, or take on a specific role

Slide 19:
The picture shows Lyndon B. Johnson being sworn in as President of the United States with Jackie Kennedy by his side.

Sentence example: Vice-President Lyndon B. Johnson assumed the presidency after the assassination of President John Kennedy in November 1963.

So Lyndon Johnson stepped into the position or role of president.

Now let’s look at another use of the word PRESUME:

Slide 20:
PRESUME – additional meaning
Definition: to go beyond your authority, position, or status;
to do something when it is not your right or place to do it

Slide 21:
The picture shows a transcript on the UK government web site of a speech given by Sir James Bevan at a conference on climate change.

Sentence example: “I won’t presume to lecture you about the fact or the causes of climate change: most of you will understand it better than me.”

The speaker admits that the audience is possibly more knowledgeable than him about the subject so he prefers not to go beyond his position by lecturing them. A role he does not feel qualified to fill.

Slide 22:
Here is a related word:
PRESUMPTUOUS (adj.)
Definition: going beyond the limits of what is permitted or appropriate, tending to presume

Here’s an example:

Slide 23:
The picture shows an office with employees sat around a conference table.

Sentence example: No one wanted to be presumptuous and sit in the boss’s chair at the head of the table.

In other words, the employees would feel uncomfortable if any of them sat in the boss’s chair as it would not be appropriate for them as an employee.

Slide 24:
So to summarize, ASSUME vs PRESUME:
When you assume you may think something is possible but you are not really sure.

When you presume you think something is probable because of certain evidence although it’s still not 100% sure

Additionally, assume can mean to take on a position or responsibility.

Also presume can mean to say or do something that you do not have authority for.

Slide 25:
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Image Credits

Slide 13 – man looking at watch
Royalty Free
Photo by Gustavo Vizart from Pexels
https://www.pexels.com/photo/man-in-coat-looking-at-watch-16180339/

Slide 14 – woman holding her head
Royalty Free
Photo by Pavel Danilyuk from Pexels
https://www.pexels.com/photo/woman-touching-her-forehead-6753143/

Slide 16 – woman in kitchen looking at phone
Royalty Free
Photo by Nataliya Vaitkevich from Pexels
https://www.pexels.com/photo/a-woman-using-her-mobile-phone-in-the-kitchen-8939256/

Slide 17 – Dr. Livingstone
Public Domain
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Rencontre_de_Livingstone_-How_I_found_Livingstone(fr).png

Slide 19 – Kennedy
Public Domain
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Lyndon_B._Johnson_taking_the_oath_of_office,_November_1963.jpg

Slide 22 – climate change
Public Domain
https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/the-climate-emergency-this-year-the-answers-are-different
Speech by Sir James Bevan, Chief Executive of the Environment Agency. Royal Holloway University, London, 24 October 2019.

Slide 23 – conference room
Royalty Free
Photo by Christina Morillo from Pexels
https://www.pexels.com/photo/group-of-women-gathered-inside-conference-room-1181611/

Regarding the use of illustrations and photographs used in this video:

Public Domain
Public domain works are not restricted by copyright and do not require a license or fee to use. Public domain status allows the user unrestricted access and unlimited creativity. These are typically very old works.

Royalty Free
The image may be used for almost any business, personal, educational or charitable purpose as long as a credit is published to the creator of the image.

If you are interested in the difference between ASSUME vs PRESUME, be sure to check this entry in The Correct Word Usage Guide:
IF or WHETHER – How to Use Correctly