presumption[prē zump′s̸hən, pri-]
- The definition of a presumption is an acceptance of something as true without proof, or an attitude of superiority.
An example of a presumption is someone assuming their opinion is the right one.
- the act of presuming; specif.,
- an overstepping of proper bounds; forwardness; effrontery
- the taking of something for granted
- the thing presumed; supposition
- a ground or reason for presuming; evidence that points to the probability of something
- Law the inference that a fact exists, based on the proved existence of other facts
Origin of presumptionMiddle English ; from Old French presumpcion ; from Classical Latin praesumptio, a taking beforehand ; from praesumptus, past participle of praesumere: see presume
- Behavior or attitude that is boldly arrogant or offensive; effrontery: She was offended at the stranger's presumption in speaking in such an casual manner.
- The act of presuming or accepting something as true: the presumption of innocence of the accused.
- A condition or basis for accepting or presuming something.
- Law A conclusion applied by law as to the correctness of some fact, ordinarily subject to rebuttal by contrary evidence.
Origin of presumptionMiddle English presumpcion, from Old French, from Late Latin praesūmptiō, praesūmptiōn-, from Latin, anticipation, from praesūmptus, past participle of praesūmere, to anticipate; see presume.
From Late Latin praesumptionem, accusative singular of praesumptio.
presumption - Legal Definition
A legal assumption that something is a fact based upon another proven fact or set thereof. The presumption is given sufficient weight, once established, that an even greater amount of evidence to the contrary would be needed in order to contravene it. It has the effect of shifting the burden of proof or that of producing evidence to the opposing party. See inference.conclusive (non-rebuttable) presumption
A presumption that no amount of evidence or argument is strong enough to overcome.rebuttable presumption
A presumption that is strong enough to make a prima facie case, but that is subject to being overcome by the presentation of stronger evidence to the contrary.