présumer

to presume

verb preh-zoo-MEH Rare

Also means

to assume

Usage Note

Présumer means to take something as true without proof, often used in legal or formal contexts. The key phrase présumé innocent (presumed innocent) underpins French criminal law. Se présumer (reflexive) is uncommon; présupposer is a near-synonym in everyday speech.

Examples

"On le présume innocent jusqu'au procès."

Natural Translation

He is presumed innocent until the trial.

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