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presumptuous

English → EnglishformalInstant · from the shared dictionary
Illustration of "presumptuous": To be presumptuous is to overstep the boundaries of what is appropriate or polite. Imagine someone w

What does "presumptuous" mean?

To be presumptuous is to overstep the boundaries of what is appropriate or polite. Imagine someone who assumes they have a level of intimacy or authority they haven't actually earned, like a stranger trying to give you unsolicited life advice or a junior employee making a decision that belongs to the CEO. The word carries a sense of arrogance or audacity. It is usually used to criticize someone for being "bold in a bad way." While "confident" is a positive trait, "presumptuous" implies you have failed to read the room or respect social hierarchies.

"presumptuous" in conversation

Office boundaries

I went ahead and emailed the client with the new budget figures.

I went ahead and emailed the client with the new budget figures.

That was a bit presumptuous, don't you think? That decision was supposed to be mine.

That was a bit presumptuous, don't you think? That decision was supposed to be mine.

Used to call out someone for acting without authorization.

Dating etiquette

I told your parents we'd be there for dinner on Sunday.

I told your parents we'd be there for dinner on Sunday.

Wow, that's incredibly presumptuous of you. You didn't even ask if I was free.

Wow, that's incredibly presumptuous of you. You didn't even ask if I was free.

Shows how the word is used when someone makes decisions for others.

"presumptuous" in a sentence

  1. It would be presumptuous to assume I know the answer.

    It would be presumptuous to assume I know the answer.

  2. She made the presumptuous claim that she was the best candidate for the job.

    She made the presumptuous claim that she was the best candidate for the job.

  3. It is rather presumptuous of him to expect an invitation to a private event he was not asked to attend.

    It is rather presumptuous of him to expect an invitation to a private event he was not asked to attend.

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