presumptive
/pɹiˈzʌm(p)tɪv/ adjective C2- Based on presumption or conjecture; inferred, likely, presumed. · By late May, he was already considered his party’s presumptive nominee.
- Often postpositive, as in heir presumptive: of an heir or heiress: presumed to be entitled to inherit unless someone with a superior entitlement is born. · The Queen’s younger brother was the heir presumptive to the throne, until she gave birth to her first child.
- Of a cell or tissue: which has yet to differentiate, but is presumed to develop into a particular body part.
- Synonym of presumptuous (“making unwarranted presumptions or assumptions, often out of arrogance or excessive self-confidence, and thus exceeding what is appropriate or right”). · Forgive me for being presumptive, but aren’t you and Mark engaged?
- Chiefly in presumptive evidence: providing a reasonable basis for a certain presumption or conclusion to be drawn.
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