Presumptuous | Meaning, Definition & Examples

Published on 5 September 2022 by Eoghan Ryan. Revised on 20 October 2022.

Presumptuous is an adjective meaning ‘excessively bold or forward’. It’s used to describe someone behaving in an entitled or overfamiliar way and therefore coming across as rude or arrogant. It can also mean ‘characterised by presumption’ or ‘likely to presume’.

Examples: ‘Presumptuous’ in a sentence

It was presumptuous of Jane to borrow Dan’s car without asking him.

Marco made a presumptuous remark when he said he should have won employee of the month.

It’s presumptuous to believe we are alone in the universe.

Karla is not presumptuous; she’s usually quite unassuming.

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Presumptuous vs presumptive
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Frequently asked questions

Presumptuous vs presumptive

Presumptuous and presumptive are both related to the word ‘presume’, but they don’t mean the same thing:

Presumptuous is used to describe someone or something as ‘overstepping authority’ or ‘characterised by presumption’.
Presumptive is used to describe something as ‘probable’ or ‘likely’. It’s used in the term ‘heir presumptive’, meaning someone who is likely (but not certain) to inherit something.

Example: ‘Presumptive’ in a sentence

Based on his guilty expression, Simon was the presumptive thief.

There was an upset in the race today when the presumptive winner actually finished in sixth place.

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Frequently asked questions

What is a synonym of ‘presumptuous’?: Some synonyms for ‘presumptuous’ include:

Arrogant

Audacious

Bold

Cheeky

Conceited

Familiar

Forward

Immodest

Insolent

Overconfident

Overfamiliar

Scribbr’s Paraphraser can help you find even more synonyms for words like ‘presumptuous’.
What is an antonym of ‘presumptuous’?: Some antonyms (opposites) for ‘presumptuous’ include:

Deferential

Meek

Modest

Obedient

Unassertive

Unassuming

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Ryan, E. (2022, October 20). Presumptuous | Meaning, Definition & Examples. Scribbr. Retrieved 15 December 2024, from https://www.scribbr.co.uk/definition/presumptuous-meaning/

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Eoghan Ryan

Eoghan has a lot of experience with theses and dissertations at bachelor's, MA, and PhD level. He has taught university English courses, helping students to improve their research and writing.