Presume x Assume

When do you presume and when do you assume?

These two words are often used without distinguishion, just because they have the same origin and are used in similar context. However, there are subtle differences in meaning between them. Both of these words mean “to take for granted” or “purpose”. Let’s see:

Presume

Presume is more based on probabilities or evidences, in other words, something you presume is more likely to be true than something you assume

Examples

You must be Mr. Allen I presume? (That was the last name in the list).
I presume she is the last costumer. (The Mall is closing already)

Assume

Assume is used more when you really have no idea, when you are guessing something that you aren’t really sure if will happen or not.

Examples

We are the next ones I assume? (There are some other guys here too but…)
This will be the next great thing I assume? (There are lots of other things that can or cannot be, but…)
The difference between both terms is that these two have different degrees of certainty. However in modern English, presume and assume are considered close enough in meaning to stand as substitutes for one another.

Artigo escrito por JAIR DOS SANTOS TRINDADE, instrutor de ABC em Capão Redondo.