Presumptive

Pronunciation: /prɪˈzʌm(p)tɪv/

Definitions of presumptive

adjective A word that describes or modifies a noun or pronoun. In this case, 'presumptive' describes something that is based on assumption or presumption.

Example Sentences

A1 The presumptive winner of the race crossed the finish line first.

A2 The police made a presumptive arrest based on the evidence they had.

B1 The doctor made a presumptive diagnosis before ordering further tests.

B2 The presumptive heir to the throne was already making plans for his future reign.

C1 The presumptive nominee for the presidential election was already gaining support from key party members.

C2 The presumptive evidence presented in court was enough to convince the jury of the defendant's guilt.

Examples of presumptive in a Sentence

formal The presumptive diagnosis was confirmed after further testing.

informal They're the presumptive favorites to win the championship.

slang I heard she's the presumptive prom queen this year.

figurative His presumptive attitude towards success will only hold him back in the long run.

Grammatical Forms of presumptive

• past tense: presumed
• plural: presumptives
• comparative: more presumptive
• superlative: most presumptive
• present tense: presumes
• future tense: will presume
• perfect tense: has presumed
• continuous tense: is presuming
• singular: presumptive
• positive degree: presumptive
• infinitive: to presume
• gerund: presuming
• participle: presumed

Origin and Evolution of presumptive

First Known Use: 0015 year

Language of Origin: Latin

Story behind the word: The word 'presumptive' originated from the Latin word 'praesumptivus', which is derived from the verb 'praesumere' meaning 'to take beforehand'.

Evolution of the word: Originally used in legal contexts to refer to something that is taken for granted or assumed, the meaning of 'presumptive' has evolved to also imply a likelihood or probability based on available evidence.