presume
pre·sume / priˈzoōm/ • v. 1. suppose that something is the case on the basis of probability: I presumed that the man had been escorted from the building | [tr.] the two men were presumed dead when the wreck of their boat was found. ∎ take for granted that something exists or is the case: the argument presumes that only one person can do the work | [tr.] the task demands skills which cannot be presumed and therefore require proper training. 2. [intr.] be audacious enough to do something: kindly don't presume to issue me orders in my own house. ∎ [intr.] make unjustified demands; take liberties: forgive me if I have presumed. ∎ [intr.] (presume on/upon) unjustifiably regard (something) as entitling one to privileges: she knew he regarded her as his protegée, but was determined not to presume on that.DERIVATIVES: pre·sum·a·ble adj.ORIGIN: late Middle English: from Old French presumer, from Latin praesumere ‘anticipate’ (in late Latin ‘take for granted’), from prae ‘before’ + sumere ‘take.’