Presumptive

Based on assumption or probability; supposed or accepted as true for the sake of argument or for the purpose of reasoning, without conclusive proof.

adjective

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Imagine This

Imagine a doctor giving a presumptive diagnosis of pneumonia from fever and a cough, but insisting final confirmation will wait for lab results and a follow-up X-ray.

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Sounds Like

pruh-ZUHMPT-iv

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Looks Like

Looks like the root 'presume' plus the suffix '-ive'; visually related to 'presume' and 'presumption'.

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Remember This

Presumptive means 'based on probability or initial evidence' rather than proven. It is commonly used with 'presumptive diagnosis' or 'presumptive evidence.' Related noun: presumption.

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Other Forms

presumeverb

presumptionnoun

presumptivelyadverb

presumptivenessnoun

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Connect With

presume, assume, suppose, infer, presumption, probable

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Note

Do not confuse with 'presume' (verb) or 'presumption' (noun) by themselves. Presumptive describes something temporary or not yet proven; contrast with 'conclusive' or 'definitive' which imply proof.

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Study Deeper

Examples

The doctor issued a presumptive diagnosis of pneumonia based on the symptoms, pending lab tests.
The jury found the defendant the presumptive culprit, though final verdict required more evidence.

Synonyms

assumedsupposedprobablelikelytentative

Antonyms

conclusiveprovendefinite

Etymology

From Latin praesumptivus, from praesumere 'to take beforehand' (prae- 'before' + sumere 'to take'); via French and English adaptations.

Mnemonic

PRE-SUME-PTIVE: Before you have proof, you 'pre-sume' (assume) based on clues; the -ptive suffix marks it as an adjective describing that state.