Episode Overview

Title: Assumption Versus Presumption in English
Podcast: All Ears English Podcast
Hosts: Lindsay McMahon & Michelle Kaplan
Episode Number: 2516
Date: November 19, 2025

In this episode, Lindsay and Michelle tackle a nuanced vocabulary question from a listener: What’s the difference between "assumption" and "presumption" in English? The hosts break down the subtle distinctions in meaning, formality, and tone between these two commonly confused nouns, discuss their adjective and verb forms, and examine the phrase “to be presumptuous” as a key connector in American English. They use practical examples, natural dialogue, and even a business role play to help listeners grasp when and how to use each word.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Listener Question and Context

• [02:37] The hosts address a two-part YouTube listener question: “Can you explain the words ‘jarring’ and ‘presumption’? Lindsay mentioned them in the episode. Thank you.”
• "We actually did jarring already... But we wanted to do presumption." – Michelle (03:02)

2. Defining "Presumption"

• Basic Meaning:
  • To believe or act without proof, often with a hint of arrogance.
  • Frequently used in legal contexts, e.g., "the presumption of innocence."
  • Example: “She acted under the presumption that her rent wasn’t going to increase this year...” – Michelle (04:22)
• Formality and Connotation:
  • Presumption is more formal, less commonly used in everyday conversation.
  • May carry a slightly negative, entitled, or arrogant connotation.
  • "There's a level of arrogance to presumption." – Lindsay (03:53)
• Adjective Form:
  • Only "presumptuous" exists (not "assumptuous").
  • "You might hear someone say, ‘I don't mean to be presumptuous, but...'" – Lindsay (05:05)

3. Defining "Assumption"

• Basic Meaning:
  • Also means believing something without proof.
  • Slightly less formal, more neutral, and more common in everyday speech.
• Connotation and Use:
  • Assumption doesn’t necessarily have a negative or entitled sense.
  • “Assumption is probably going to be the safer bet for most of your everyday situations.” – Michelle (14:04)
• Example:
  • "I made an assumption that the schedule would be full. I should have called you first." – Michelle (08:26)

4. Comparing Presumption vs. Assumption

• Formality:
  • Presumption: More formal/legal; less common in daily speech.
  • Assumption: More casual, everyday use.
• Tone:
  • Presumption: Slightly negative or arrogant.
  • Assumption: Neutral, sometimes even positive depending on context.
• Memorable Exchange:
  • Lindsay: “Presumption is more dramatic, right?” (08:12)
  • Michelle: “It could sound a little bit more arrogant, a little bit more negative.” (10:06)
• Subtlety in Switching:
  • "If we switch these up, like, ‘I assume you will be bringing over all our dinners,’ that would sound fine. A little less arrogant maybe.” – Michelle (11:09)

5. Verb Forms: "Presume" vs "Assume"

• Both terms have verb forms, but again, context often determines which is more suitable.
• “I presume you will be bringing over all of our dinners.”
• “I assume you heard from the bank."
• "I presume you heard from the bank. That's a little much... unless you're trying to be fancy." – Lindsay (11:17)

6. Social Distance and Connection

• Use of "presumptuous" in conversation:
  • Can be used to check oneself for overstepping social boundaries.
  • “I don’t mean to be presumptuous...” is a polite way to show self-awareness.
  • "It’s a way of pulling ourselves back and checking our place in terms of connection." – Lindsay (15:14)
• Calling out presumptuous behavior:
  • “That’s a little presumptuous” can be used playfully when someone over-assumes.
  • Example: If someone assumes you’ll say yes to a date, answering “Which restaurant are we going to?” could prompt: “That’s a little presumptuous.” (15:36)

7. Real-Life Role Play (Business Meeting)

• [12:32–13:35] The hosts act out a dialogue:
  • Michelle: “I presume you will be on time this time.”
  • Lindsay: “Yeah, of course.”
  • Michelle: “I was under the assumption that we would be out by 8.”
  • Lindsay analyzes: “It was just very snooty... You’re elevating yourself... putting a little distance there.” (13:02)
• Demonstrates formality, tone, and resulting social distance.

8. Practical Takeaways

• "Assumption" is the safer choice for everyday English.
• "Presumption" might be encountered in legal/media contexts or when drama/formality is intended.
• “Presumptuous” as an adjective is a fun tool to check yourself or others in social contexts.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “[Presumption]...there's a level of arrogance to presumption.” – Lindsay (03:53)
• “Assumption is more just everyday life.” – Michelle (08:26)
• "It's a little more entitled, for sure." – Michelle (10:33)
• “Presumption is more dramatic, right?” – Lindsay (08:12)
• “I presume you heard from the bank. That's a little much... unless you're trying to be fancy...” – Lindsay (11:17)
• “It's a way of pulling ourselves back and checking our place in terms of connection. It's a polite thing to say.” – Lindsay (15:14)
• “That’s a little presumptuous.” – Michelle (15:36)

Important Timestamps

• [03:02] – Introduction of listener question
• [03:53] – “Presumption”: meaning, legal use, and adjectives
• [05:05] – Discussion of "presumptuous" (adjective)
• [07:26] – Shift to "Assumption": definition and differences
• [08:26] – Everyday vs. formal contexts
• [11:04] – Comparing various uses: swapping presume/assume
• [12:32] – [13:35] – Business role play
• [13:45] – Key insights on when to use each word
• [14:04] – Main recommendation: “Assumption is probably the safer bet…”
• [15:14] – Social use of “presumptuous”
• [15:36] – Playful use in dating/social context

Takeaways & Recommendations

• For ESL Learners: Use "assumption" in most everyday situations. Reserve "presumption" for more formal, legal, or intentionally dramatic contexts. Recognize "presumptuous" as a useful social cue.
• For Advanced Understanding: Listen for "presumption" and "presumptuous" in movies (especially legal dramas or scenes depicting formality/royalty) to grasp their subtle, often elevated or distancing tone.
• For Fluent Connection: Use “I don’t mean to be presumptuous, but…” to soften requests or comments that could be seen as overstepping.

Further Listening

• For the episode explaining “jarring,” check out episode 2499: “English Vocabulary For Your Most Jarring Moments.”

End of Summary