Journalistic Reporting Vocabulary

verb to suppose that something is true without having evidence to confirm it

• Based on the evidence presented, we can presume that the defendant is guilty.
• I presume you're coming to the party tonight since you haven't said otherwise.
• I wouldn't presume to know what she's thinking, it's all a mystery to me.
• The dark clouds looming overhead made me presume that a storm was on its way.

noun a specific type of assault that involves sexual activity or behavior without consent

• The survivor bravely spoke out about the sexual assault she experienced.
• I can't believe she went through a sexual assault, that's terrible.
• That guy is a total creep, I heard he's been accused of sexual assault.
• The company's decision to cut corners on safety measures was like a form of sexual assault on its employees.