Difference between assume and presume

Difference between assume and presume

Last week, after reading another one of my difference between posts, Laura Crowe asked me to write a post about the difference between assume and presume.

https://twitter.com/LCCopywriting/status/606412621659676672

While some people use “assume” and “presume” interchangeably, there’s a subtle difference between the two.

When we assume something, we usually suppose it to be true regardless of whether we have proof of that truth. When we presume something, we suppose it to be true based on probability.

Compare these two sentences:

  • My last two hot peppers are missing, so I assume you ate them.
  • My last two hot peppers are missing, so I presume someone took them.

Do you have two words you often confuse or see others often confusing? Let me know in the comments below, and I’d happy to discuss them in a future post.

By Kim Siever

I am a copywriter and copyeditor. I blog on writing and social media tips mostly, but I sometimes throw in my thoughts about running a small business. Follow me on Twitter at @hotpepper.