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.
adjectivePresumptive
Based on assumption or probability; supposed or accepted as true for the sake of argument or for the purpose of reasoning, without conclusive proof.
adjectiveImagine 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.
Sounds Like
pruh-ZUHMPT-iv
Looks Like
Looks like the root 'presume' plus the suffix '-ive'; visually related to 'presume' and 'presumption'.
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.
Other Forms
Connect With
presume, assume, suppose, infer, presumption, probable
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.