Presuppose vs. Presume — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Fiza Rafique — Updated on May 5, 2024
Presuppose involves assuming something as a prerequisite, while presume entails making an assumption based on probability.
Difference Between Presuppose and Presume
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Presuppose requires that certain conditions are inherently accepted or true before making a further argument; whereas presume allows for assumptions based on likelihood or evidence. For example, saying "If she's at home, she'll answer the phone" presupposes that being at home means availability, while presuming she'll answer just because she often does.
Presuppose is often used in logical and analytical contexts where foundational assumptions must be established; on the other hand, presume is more commonly used in everyday speech and implies a higher degree of uncertainty. Presupposing something usually necessitates that the assumed condition is essential for the argument or scenario to hold, whereas presuming something does not necessarily involve critical prerequisites.
In communication, to presuppose means to consider certain elements as given within the context of the discourse, while to presume often indicates a speculative leap based on past experiences or general patterns. For instance, legal texts may presuppose the validity of previous laws, while a detective might presume a suspect’s motive based on circumstantial evidence.
Presuppose often carries a more formal connotation, suggesting something foundational and non-negotiable; whereas presume is more tentative, allowing for possibilities rather than certainties. Presupposing often aligns with theoretical or philosophical constructs, while presuming aligns more with practical or empirical reasoning.
Presuppose implies a depth of pre-understanding or agreement on certain fundamental truths within a discussion, whereas presume tends to involve more superficial or probable reasoning. For example, presupposing the laws of physics in a scientific debate is different from presuming the outcomes of an experiment based on previous results.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Assume something as a prerequisite for an argument
Make an assumption based on probability
Context Usage
More formal and foundational
More informal and speculative
Dependency on Evidence
Less dependent on new evidence
Often relies on evidence or likelihood
Implication of Certainty
Implies a deeper level of certainty
Implies uncertainty and conjecture
Common Fields of Use
Philosophy, logic, theoretical sciences
Everyday reasoning, law, practical contexts
Compare with Definitions
Presuppose
To require as a prior condition.
Understanding advanced mathematics presupposes familiarity with basic concepts.
Presume
To accept as true until proven otherwise.
Innocence is presumed until guilt is proven.
Presuppose
To assume something beforehand as a necessary condition.
Scientific theories often presuppose certain fundamental principles.
Presume
To suppose or infer without strong evidence.
He presumed the meeting was postponed without checking the schedule.
Presuppose
To take for granted as a basis for reasoning.
His argument presupposes that all members agree.
Presume
To act overconfidently or boldly.
She presumed too much by taking charge without asking.
Presuppose
To tacitly assume at the beginning of a line of argument.
Her critique presupposes that the reader is knowledgeable about feminist theory.
Presume
To base actions on reasonable probability.
One might presume they'll need an umbrella in rainy weather.
Presuppose
To consider or include implicitly.
The curriculum presupposes a certain level of competency from students.
Presume
To take something for granted.
He presumed she knew the directions.
Presuppose
To believe or suppose in advance
"In passing moral judgments ... we presuppose that a man's actions, and hence also his being a good or a bad man, are in his power" (Leo Strauss).
Presume
To take for granted as being true in the absence of proof to the contrary
"I presume you're tired after the long ride" (Edith Wharton).
Presuppose
To require or involve necessarily as an antecedent condition
"The term tax relief ... presupposes a conceptual metaphor.
Presume
To constitute reasonable evidence for assuming; appear to prove
A signed hotel bill presumes occupancy of a room.
Presuppose
To assume some truth without proof, usually for the purpose of reaching a conclusion based on that truth.
Presume
To venture without authority or permission; dare
He presumed to invite himself to dinner.
Presuppose
To suppose beforehand; to imply as antecedent; to take for granted; to assume; as, creation presupposes a creator.
Each [kind of knowledge] presupposes many necessary things learned in other sciences, and known beforehand.
Presume
To take for granted that something is true or factual; make a supposition.
Presuppose
Take for granted or as a given; suppose beforehand;
I presuppose that you have done your work
Presume
To act presumptuously or take unwarranted advantage of something
Don't presume on their hospitality.
Presuppose
Require as a necessary antecedent or precondition;
This step presupposes two prior ones
Presume
(transitive) With infinitive object: to be so presumptuous as (to do something) without proper authority or permission.
I wouldn't presume to tell him how to do his job.
Presume
To perform, do (something) without authority; to lay claim to without permission.
Don't make the decision yourself and presume too much.
Presume
(transitive) To assume or suggest to be true (without proof); to take for granted, to suppose.
Paw-prints in the snow allow us to presume a visit from next door's cat.
Dr. Livingstone, I presume?
Presume
(transitive) To take as a premise; to assume for the sake of argument.
Presume
(intransitive) To be presumptuous; with on, upon, to take advantage (of), to take liberties (with).
Presume
To assume or take beforehand; esp., to do or undertake without leave or authority previously obtained.
Dare he presume to scorn us in this manner?
Bold deed thou hast presumed, adventurous Eve.
Presume
To take or suppose to be true, or entitled to belief, without examination or proof, or on the strength of probability; to take for granted; to infer; to suppose.
Every man is to be presumed innocent till he is proved to be guilty.
What rests but that the mortal sentence pass, . . . Which he presumes already vain and void,Because not yet inflicted?
Presume
To suppose or assume something to be, or to be true, on grounds deemed valid, though not amounting to proof; to believe by anticipation; to infer; as, we may presume too far.
Presume
To venture, go, or act, by an assumption of leave or authority not granted; to go beyond what is warranted by the circumstances of the case; to venture beyond license; to take liberties; - often with on or upon before the ground of confidence.
Do not presume too much upon my love.
This man presumes upon his parts.
Presume
Take to be the case or to be true; accept without verification or proof;
I assume his train was late
Presume
Take upon oneself; act presumptuously, without permission;
How dare you call my lawyer?
Presume
Constitute reasonable evidence for;
A restaurant bill presumes the consumption of food
Presume
Take liberties or act with too much confidence
Common Curiosities
Is presuming considered less formal than presupposing?
Yes, presuming is generally less formal and more speculative compared to the foundational and often unquestionable nature of presupposing.
How does presuming differ from assuming in everyday language?
Presuming typically involves a higher degree of conjecture based on likelihood, whereas assuming might not necessarily rely on probability.
In what context might one use 'presuppose' over 'presume'?
One might use 'presuppose' in formal, theoretical, or academic discussions where foundational truths need to be established, whereas 'presume' is more suitable for everyday, practical assumptions based on likely outcomes.
Can presuppositions be challenged?
Yes, presuppositions can be challenged if new evidence or arguments indicate that the foundational conditions are not as solid as previously considered.
How does presuming appear in legal contexts?
In legal contexts, presuming often pertains to assuming innocence until proven guilty, or making legal decisions based on probable evidence.
What is an example of presupposing in a scientific context?
A scientist might presuppose the constancy of physical laws when conducting experiments or formulating theories.
Can presupposing be problematic in scientific discussions?
Yes, if the presupposed conditions are not universally accepted or are later found to be incorrect, it can undermine the scientific arguments or conclusions.
What does it mean to presuppose in philosophy?
In philosophy, to presuppose means to accept a certain premise or condition as a foundational truth necessary for the discussion or argument.
Why is it important to distinguish between presupposing and presuming in arguments?
Distinguishing the two helps clarify the level of certainty, evidential support, and formality of the assumptions made within arguments.
Can I use 'presume' in formal writing?
Yes, 'presume' can be used in formal writing, particularly when discussing scenarios based on probable or likely assumptions.
What does it mean to presuppose in terms of communication?
In communication, presupposing involves assuming that the audience understands and agrees with certain baseline concepts necessary for the communication to be effective.
What are the risks of presupposing in debates?
The main risk is potentially overlooking or not properly scrutinizing the foundational assumptions, which might be flawed or contested.
How do presuppose and presume differ in terms of evidence reliance?
Presupposing often relies less on new evidence as it deals with accepted truths, whereas presuming typically involves forming assumptions based on new evidence or probability.
Is it accurate to say that presupposing involves a deeper level of thought than presuming?
Yes, presupposing typically involves a deeper level of thought as it concerns fundamental truths that underpin further reasoning or arguments.
Is presuming more aligned with probability or certainty?
Presuming is more aligned with probability, as it often involves making assumptions based on what is likely rather than certain.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
