Verb
To assume or take beforehand; esp., to do or undertake without leave or authority previously obtained.
To take or suppose to be true, or entitled to belief, without examination or proof, or on the strength of probability; to take for granted; to infer; to suppose.
To suppose or assume something to be, or to be true, on grounds deemed valid, though not amounting to proof; to believe by anticipation; to infer; as, we may presume too far.
To venture, go, or act, by an assumption of leave or authority not granted; to go beyond what is warranted by the circumstances of the case; to venture beyond license; to take liberties; -- often with on or upon before the ground of confidence.
Source: Webster's dictionaryIf the people are happy, united, wealthy, and powerful, we presume the rest. We conclude that to be good from whence good is derived. Edmund Burke
Until you understand a writer's ignorance, presume yourself ignorant of his understanding. Samuel Taylor Coleridge
Let every man in mankind's frailty consider his last day; and let none presume on his good fortune until he find Life, at his death, a memory without pain. Sophocles
Men who undertake considerable things, even in a regular way, ought to give us ground to presume ability. Edmund Burke
Sir, if you ever presume again to speak disrespectfully of General Grant in my presence, either you or I will sever his connection with this university. Robert E. Lee
Presume not that I am the thing I was. William Shakespeare