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presume ~ assume ~ resume

The words ‘presume’ and assume’ are synonyms, i.e. can be used interchangeably.  However, there are some differences in usage in certain situations, and it is important for us to know them in order to avoid any silly mistakes.

“Presume” (verb) is ‘to think that something is true or right, although one is not certain; to consider something as true or otherwise, especially in matters related to law; to behave without respect by doing something one has no right or permission to do so; to take advantage of someone, i.e. to ask unfairly for more than one should because they are generous or cooperative or they are good to you’,

e.g.

We presumed that we would reach our camp site before dusk.

Their dog was missing; presumed dead.

We must not presume an accused being guilty until we have fool-proof evidence.

You should never presume to tell your parents what to do.

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“Assume” (verb) is ‘to think that something is true, although one has no definite proof, basing only on what one thinks is true or right, basing on the circumstances; to start to have control on somebody or something; to take control of something, such as a responsibility, even if it is not given directly; to behave, put on a show of confidence, in a way that does not show how one really feels, especially in order to look more confident, happy and comfortable with a situation than one actually is’,

e.g.

Her seat was vacant, so I assumed that she had already left the office.

When the old man died, his son-in- law assumed the role of the managing director of family business because the old man did not have any sons.

Assuming that we dismissed her from her job, who would fill in that vacancy?   [i.e. we did not dismiss her yet, but suppose we dismissed her …]

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“Resume” (verb) is ‘to start doing something which was stopped or interrupted before; to take a seat or place or position which one has left before’,

{Note: “Resume” or “resumé” or “curriculum Vitae” or “VC” is ‘a short description/summery of events or a person’s education qualification and job experience. Please pay attention to the pronunciation of ‘resume’ in the 2nd video and ‘resume’ in the 3rd video — in the second video the word ‘resume’ is “to start doing something that has been stopped or interrupted earlier”, and in the third video it is “a short summery of a person’s …”.}

e.g.

Sachin Tendulkar, the great Indian cricket legend, resumed playing in international matches after his elbow injury had healed.

The peace talks between the LTTE and the Sri Lankan government would not resume as the LTTE chief was found dead.

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