Definition of: presume

(pri·zm′) v. ·sumed, ·sum·ing v.t.
1. To take upon oneself without warrant or permission; dare; venture; usually with the infinitive: Do you presume to address me?
2. To take for granted; assume to be true until disproved: I presume you are right.
3. To indicate the probability of; seem to prove: The receipt for this month presumes preceding payments.
—v.i.
4. To act or proceed presumptuously or overconfidently.
5. To make excessive demands; rely too heavily: with on or upon: He presumes on my good nature. See synonyms under ASSUME. [<OF presumer <L praesumere take first <prae - before + sumere take]
—pre·sum·ed·ly (pri·z′mid·lē) adverb
—pre·sum′er noun