What is the Difference Between Assumption and Presumption?

The difference between assumption and presumption lies in the level of confidence and evidence supporting the belief.

• Assumption: An assumption is a belief that is accepted as true or certain to happen without proof. It suggests making a judgment based on the available information, but there may be missing information that could change the conclusion. For example, assuming that everyone in a room is over 18 years old because no one looks younger.
• Presumption: A presumption is the acceptance of something as true although it is not known for certain, and it implies more confidence or evidence-backed reasoning. Presuming involves making an informed guess based on reasonable evidence or partial evidence. For example, presuming that a person is a good driver because they have a clean driving record.

In summary, both assumption and presumption involve accepting a belief without absolute certainty, but presumption implies more confidence and evidence-backed reasoning compared to an assumption.

Comparative Table: Assumption vs Presumption

The difference between assumption and presumption can be subtle, but they both refer to beliefs about the truth of something. Here is a table summarizing the key differences:

In summary, an assumption is a belief without questioning or supporting evidence, while a presumption is a belief based on probability or partial evidence. Assumptions are often considered unstated premises, whereas presumptions are stated premises that are taken to be true. Both terms can be used in place of the verb "to suppose," but their usage depends on the context and the level of certainty involved.