presumptive — giving reasonable grounds for being believed; based on probability or presumption rather than certainty
Part of speech: ADJECTIVE
Definition: giving reasonable grounds for being believed; based on probability or presumption rather than certainty
Pronunciation (IPA): /prɪˈzʌmptɪv/
Example Sentences
- The detective had only presumptive evidence that the butler did it, but everyone already suspected him anyway.
- As the presumptive winner, she started writing her acceptance speech before the votes were even counted.
- The presumptive diagnosis was food poisoning, but it turned out he just couldn't handle his mother-in-law's cooking.
presumptive
ADJECTIVE[/prɪˈzʌmptɪv/]
giving reasonable grounds for being believed; based on probability or presumption rather than certainty
Presumptive and disruptive — the signs feel too instructive.
Even consumable proof feels presumptive — making the case resumable and constructive.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Latin praesumptivus, derived from praesumere meaning 'to take beforehand' or 'to assume in advance.' The word literally means taking something as true before having definitive proof.
Breakdown
prae- (before/in advance) + sumere (to take) + -ive (adjective suffix meaning 'having the quality of')
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The detective had only presumptive evidence that the butler did it, but everyone already suspected him anyway.”
“As the presumptive winner, she started writing her acceptance speech before the votes were even counted.”
“The presumptive diagnosis was food poisoning, but it turned out he just couldn't handle his mother-in-law's cooking.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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