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roccov
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| Posted: Fri Jun 17, 2005 3:13 pm
Post subject: Assume and Presume - are they exact synomyms? |
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I have been wondering about the words "assume" and "presume" and
whether they are exact synomyms. Dictionaries seem to think they are,
where relevant (sometimes they can have entirely different meanings).
But to me the word "presume" has a slightly more tentative meaning than
"assume" which feels like a stronger supposition. What do you think?
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Matti Lamprhey
Guest
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| Posted: Fri Jun 17, 2005 3:37 pm
Post subject: Re: Assume and Presume - are they exact synomyms? |
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"roccov" <roccov@wildmail.com> wrote...
| Quote: | I have been wondering about the words "assume" and "presume" and
whether they are exact synomyms. Dictionaries seem to think they are,
where relevant (sometimes they can have entirely different meanings).
But to me the word "presume" has a slightly more tentative meaning
than "assume" which feels like a stronger supposition.
What do you think?
|
Here's Bill Bryson on assume/presume in _Troublesome Words_ (2001
revised edition):
<<
The two words are often so close in meaning as to be indistinguishable,
but in some contexts they do allow a fine distinction to be made.
_Assume_, in the sense of 'to suppose', normally means to put forth a
realistic hypothesis, something that can be taken as probable ('I assume
we will arrive by midnight'). _Presume_ has more of an air of sticking
one's neck out, of making an assertion that may be contentious ('I
presume we have met before?'). But in most instances the two words can
be used interchangeably.>>
And here's the late Larry (R. L.) Trask in _Mind the Gaffe_ (also in
Penguin, 2001):
<<
Both of these [words] mean 'suppose', and their meanings often overlap.
But there is a subtle distinction. To _assume_ something is to take it
for granted as the basis of a discussion or an argument, without
offering any evidence for it. This may be done purely in order to
explore the consequences of the assumption. To _presume_ something is
to suppose it is so because we have no good reason to suppose otherwise.
Of course, _presume_ alone has a second sense of 'be overly bold', 'take
something upon oneself without permission', as in 'We are presuming upon
his hospitality.'>>
Both of these commentators therefore seem to support your comment that
"presume" is often the more tentative.
Matti |
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Nick Wagg
Guest
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| Posted: Fri Jun 17, 2005 4:00 pm
Post subject: Re: Assume and Presume - are they exact synomyms? |
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"Matti Lamprhey" <matti@official-totally-reversed.com> wrote in message
news:3hfjvtFgncnsU1@individual.net...
I was taught that when I "assume", I make an "ass" out of "U" and "me",
being a reminder that one should not take anything for granted.
Note that "ass" here is the English word meaning a stupid animal
similar to a donkey, not "ass" in the American sense.
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John Briggs
Guest
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| Posted: Fri Jun 17, 2005 4:56 pm
Post subject: Re: Assume and Presume - are they exact synomyms? |
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Nick Wagg wrote:
| Quote: | "Matti Lamprhey" <matti@official-totally-reversed.com> wrote in
message news:3hfjvtFgncnsU1@individual.net...
I was taught that when I "assume", I make an "ass" out of "U" and
"me", being a reminder that one should not take anything for granted.
Note that "ass" here is the English word meaning a stupid animal
similar to a donkey, not "ass" in the American sense.
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Yes, Americans don't know their arse from a donkey...
--
John Briggs |
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Paul Burke
Guest
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| Posted: Fri Jun 17, 2005 5:05 pm
Post subject: Re: Assume and Presume - are they exact synomyms? |
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John Briggs wrote:
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Yes, Americans don't know their arse from a donkey...
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I assume you've heard of the incompetent linguist, who didn't know his
Erse from his Ibo?
Paul Burke |
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Ivan
Guest
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| Posted: Sat Jun 18, 2005 7:15 am
Post subject: Re: Assume and Presume - are they exact synomyms? |
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Sour grapes.
Still pining away for your empire, are you? |
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John of Aix
Guest
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| Posted: Sun Jun 19, 2005 11:43 pm
Post subject: Re: Assume and Presume - are they exact synomyms? |
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Paul Burke wrote:
| Quote: | John Briggs wrote:
Yes, Americans don't know their arse from a donkey...
I assume you've heard of the incompetent linguist, who didn't know his
Erse from his Ibo?
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Ouch! |
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