Assumption vs Presumption: What's the Difference?
What's the Difference?
Assumption refers to an idea accepted without evidence, while presumption conveys a stronger pre-acceptance and can also have legal implications.
Memory Tip: Assumption = no proof, Presumption = pre-judged or legal
Assumption has /ʌmp/, Presumption has /ʌmpʃ/
assumption
nounAn assumption is something that is accepted as true or as certain to happen, without proof or evidence.
Example:
The assumption that all team members would be available for the meeting led to a significant scheduling conflict when several people were unexpectedly out of town.
Common patterns:
make an assumption
challenge an assumption
underlying assumption
presumption /prɪˈzʌmpʃən/
nounA belief that something is true or likely based on reasonable evidence or assumption.
Example:
The lawyer argued that the presumption of innocence is a fundamental principle in the justice system, which should not be compromised by public opinion.
Common patterns:
presumption of innocence
unwarranted presumption
legal presumption
Common Mistakes
Her presumption that he would arrive on time was based on nothing more than hope.
Her assumption that he would arrive on time was based on nothing more than hope.
The word 'assumption' is correct because it refers to an idea accepted without evidence.
The assumption of innocence is a fundamental principle in many legal systems.
The presumption of innocence is a fundamental principle in many legal systems.
The word 'presumption' is correct because it refers to a legal principle accepted until proven otherwise.
Quick Practice
0/2 correct1. The ____ that all team members would be available for the meeting led to a significant scheduling conflict when several people were unexpectedly out of town.
2. The lawyer argued that the ____ of innocence is a fundamental principle in the justice system, which should not be compromised by public opinion.
Other Confusing Words
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