See presume in American Heritage Dictionary 4 Synonyms
presume presuppose postulate posit assume
These verbs signify to take something for granted or as being a fact. To presume is to suppose that something is reasonable or possible in the absence of proof to the contrary: “I presume you're tired after the long ride” (Edith Wharton).
Presuppose can mean to believe or suppose in advance: It is unrealistic to presuppose a sophisticated knowledge of harmony in a beginning music student.
Postulate and posit denote the assertion of the existence, reality, necessity, or truth of something as the basis for reasoning or argument: “We can see individuals, but we can't see providence; we have to postulate it” (Aldous Huxley).
To assume is to accept something as existing or being true without proof or on inconclusive grounds: “We must never assume that which is incapable of proof” (G.H. Lewes).
See presume in Webster's New World Roget's A-Z Thesaurus II
verb
To take for granted without proof:
assume, posit, postulate, premise, presuppose, suppose. (Informal) reckon. See beliefTo have the courage to put forward, as an idea, especially when rebuff or criticism is likely:
dare, hazard, pretend, venture. See tryTo take advantage of unfairly:
abuse, exploit, impose, use. See treat well
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