The difference between assumption and presumption stems from the difference between the two verbs assume and presume. Although these two words are often used interchangeably, there is a slight difference between the two. Presume means ‘suppose to be the case on the basis of probability’ whereas assume means ‘suppose to be the case without proof’. Based on these meanings, assumption refers to a thing that is accepted as true without proof whereas presumption refers to an idea that is considered to be true on the basis of probability. This is the key difference between assumption and presumption.
What Does Assumption Mean?
Assumption basically refers to something that is taken as truth without proof. When we make an assumption, we usually have no knowledge of a situation nor any prior experience regarding this situation; thus, there is a good chance that our assumption might prove false.
What Does Presumption Mean?
A presumption is an idea that is taken to be true on the basis of probability. This noun is derived from the verb presume. An assumption can turn out to be true since it is based on probability. In terms of accuracy, a presumption may be more accurate than an assumption.
Key Takeaways
- Assumption refers to something that is accepted as true without proof, while presumption refers to an idea that is considered to be true on the basis of probability.
- Assumption is based on the verb assume, and presumption is based on the verb presume.
- Presumption may be more accurate than assumption since it is based on probability, whereas assumption may be inaccurate since it is not based on any proof.
