presumptive - Word of the Day - 07/05/16

presumptive 

adjective

Pronunciation

pre·sump·tive \-ˈzəm(p)-tiv\

Definition 

 - based on probability or presumption <the presumptive nominee>
 - giving grounds for reasonable opinion or belief
 - giving reasonable ground for belief: presumptive evidence
 - based on probability; presumed: an heir presumptive

Usage Note

Presumptive is sometimes used with the meaning of “arrogant, presumptuous,” as in It was very presumptive of you to speak to the senator in such an offhand manner. The Usage Panel overwhelmingly disapproves of this usage, with 83 percent rejecting the previous sentence and a similar example as well in our 2009 survey.

Examples 

In that climate of fear, an accusation alone was presumptive evidence of guilt.

Both King Victor Emmanuel and his brother Charles Felix had no sons, and the heir presumptive to the throne was Prince Charles Albert, of the Carignano branch of the house of Savoy.

First Known Use 

15th century

Merriam-Webster