presumably
prih-ZYOO-muhb-lee
Presumably (adv) means used to say that something is probably true, based on the available evidence, even without direct confirmation. Example: “Presumably you have checked the timetable already, since you booked the tickets yourself?”
adv
1
Used to say that something is probably true, based on the available evidence, even without direct confirmation.
"Presumably you have checked the timetable already, since you booked the tickets yourself?"
"The lights are off, so presumably no one is home."
"Presumably the flight was delayed, since he still hasn't arrived."
How to use presumably
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA hedging word for "I assume, though I'm not 100% certain."
Common pairings
presumably because
presumably due to
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more presumably
- Superlative
- most presumably
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
_____ you have checked the timetable already, since you booked the tickets yourself?
Etymology
Formed from presume plus -ably, or from presumable plus -ly.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for presumably
notably
probably
arguably
amicably
suitably
reliably
admirably
favorably
miserably
inexorably
reasonably
invariably
See all rhymes for presumably →
Frequently asked questions
What does “presumably” mean?
The word “presumably” means used to say that something is probably true, based on the available evidence, even without direct confirmation. In plain terms, a hedging word for "I assume, though I'm not 100% certain.".
How do you pronounce “presumably”?
“Presumably” is pronounced prih-ZYOO-muhb-lee (/pɹɪˈzuːməbli/ in IPA).
How do you use “presumably” in a sentence?
Here is “presumably” used in a sentence: “The lights are off, so presumably no one is home.”
What part of speech is “presumably”?
“Presumably” is an adverb.
Is “presumably” a common word?
“Presumably” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
What is the difference between presumably and probably?
Presumably signals that the speaker is inferring something from the available evidence without direct confirmation: 'the lights are off, so presumably no one is home.' Probably simply states that something is likely, without implying any reasoning process. Presumably comments on an assumption; probably estimates a likelihood.
What is the difference between presumably and supposedly?
Presumably presents something as a reasonable assumption the speaker is prepared to accept. Supposedly reports what others claim while often hinting at doubt, as in 'the pill supposedly works overnight.' In short, presumably leans toward belief and supposedly leans toward skepticism.
Where does presumably go in a sentence?
Presumably is a sentence adverb, so it most often opens the sentence followed by a comma: 'Presumably, the train was delayed.' It can also sit before the main verb ('they have presumably left') or after a linking verb, wherever it clearly marks the whole statement as an assumption.
Is presumably formal or informal?
Presumably is neutral and works in both conversation and formal writing; it is especially common in journalism and academic prose when a writer flags an inference. Informal speech often swaps in 'I guess' or 'I assume' instead.
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