Words / C1

pri-ZYOOM-uh-blee/prɪˈzjuːməbli/

Presumably means “I take it that / it is likely that”: presumably the file is still in drafts. Probably is everyday and a bit stronger as a claim; I assume is plainer. Presume is the verb (this family); assume is everyday. Do not use presumably to smuggle a guess into the results table.

Meaning

Used to say that you think something is likely, though you are not sure.

Examples

• “The file is missing; presumably it never left the draft folder.”
• “The CSV is missing; presumably it never left the draft folder, which still needs a check.”
• “Probably is everyday. Presume (verb) can also mean take the liberty. Assume is the everyday verb. Results report measurements; presumably belongs in discussion or email, labelled as inference.”

Good to know

I assume; it is likely that. Everyday: probably / I assume. Verb: presume. Keep guesses out of the results table.

Near in meaning

probably

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