Presumably

Definition

Presumably means "used to convey that what is asserted is very likely though not known for certain."

Parts of Speech

• Adverb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /prɪˈzjuːməbli/
• Respelling: prih-ZOOM-uh-blee (with "prih" as in "prism," "ZOOM" as in "zoom," "uh" as a filler sound, and "blee" as in "glibly")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /prɪˈzjuːməbli/
• Respelling: prih-ZYOOM-uh-blee (with "prih" as in "prism," "ZYOOM" as in "zoom" with a 'y' sound at the start, "uh" as a filler sound, and "blee" as in "glibly")

In both dialects, "presumably" is pronounced with the primary stress on the second syllable, "ZOOM"/"ZYOOM." The pronunciation remains consistent across both American and British English, clearly articulating the word with emphasis on the "ZOOM"/"ZYOOM" part.

Etymology

The term "presumably" is derived from the late Middle English word "presume", which originates from Old French "presumer", based on Latin "praesumere", from "prae-" (beforehand) + "sumere" (take). The suffix "-ably" suggests the manner or likelihood of an action.

Derivatives

• Presume
• Presumer
• Presumptive
• Presumption
• Presumptuous

Synonyms

• Probably
• Likely
• Ostensibly

Antonyms

• Improbably
• Unlikely
• Doubtfully

Usage

"Presumably" is used to indicate that something is likely or probable, though not confirmed. It introduces an assumption or inference that is deemed reasonable based on the available evidence.

Related Terms

• Assumption
• Inference
• Speculation
• Supposition
• Conjecture

Detailed Definition

Adverb

• Used to indicate that the speaker believes something is true based on the available evidence, although it is not certain.
• Example: "She's not answering her phone, so she's presumably busy at the moment."

• Introducing an action or event that is inferred from another event or piece of information.
• Example: "There were no cars in the driveway, so presumably everyone was out."