WordGarden.iopresumably
B2Pronunciation
UK
- /prɪzjˈuːməbli/
US
- /prəˈzuməbli/
Meanings
Adverb
probably, based on what one assumes to be true
Beyond the definition
Imagine a friend is going to the beach. You might think to yourself, "Presumably, they'll bring sunscreen!" It means you assume it's true based on what you know—specifically, that most people bring sunscreen when they visit the beach.
"Presumably" is not a definite statement; it leaves room for doubt. It suggests that something is likely, but not certain. You use it when you make a sensible guess based on the facts you have, even if you do not know everything yet. Think of it as saying "it seems likely" or "one would assume." A detective might say, "Presumably, the thief entered through the unlocked window." They have not proved it yet, but it is a reasonable conclusion from the evidence.
"Presumably" is an adverb that indicates something is likely to be true based on probability or what is generally known, though it has not been definitively proven. It's a subtle way of expressing an assumption without stating it as an absolute fact. For example: "The train is delayed due to the storm; presumably, many passengers will miss their connections." This doesn't guarantee everyone will miss their connection, but it suggests it's highly probable given the circumstances.
It's often used when there's a lack of complete information or when you want to soften a statement. Instead of saying "He failed the test," which is direct and certain, you might say, "Presumably, he didn't study enough," suggesting a likely reason for the outcome without claiming to know his private habits for sure.
"Presumably" often carries a slightly formal tone and is more common in writing or careful speech than in quick, casual conversation. We also do not usually use it for things we know directly about ourselves. You would not normally say, "I was presumably hungry," because you know whether you were hungry. But you might use it to introduce an assumption about something outside your direct knowledge: "The package was sent last week; presumably, it has arrived by now."
So, when you want to suggest a likely outcome without claiming absolute certainty, reach for "presumably"—the word that whispers "probably" with a touch of educated guesswork.
Examples
- 1
Everyday assumption
The lights are off, so presumably everyone has gone home.
- 2
Likely reason
She didn't answer, presumably because she was in a meeting.
- 3
Future prediction
The price will presumably go up again next year.
- 4
Travel plans
The road is closed, so we will presumably have to take the long way around.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Checking a guess
You have the address, presumably?
- Usage
sentence-final presumably checks that your guess is right
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
- supposedly
- evidently
- in all likelihood
Contrast
- certainly
- not necessarily
Used with (collocations)
- presumably because
- presumably due to
- presumably meant to
Word family
Explore
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- presumablyadverb