Presume vs Assume

Presume vs Assume
Both words mean to believe something before something happens. Most of us use these words as synonym, but it is wrong. 


Assume and Presume have many definitions. Let's look them one by one:
According to Collin Dictionary:
Assume is a verb.

• If you assume that something is true, you imagine that it is true, sometimes wrongly: to think that something is true or probably true without knowing that it is true

1. If the package is wrapped well, we assume the contents are also wonderful.

• If someone assumes power or responsibility, they take power or responsibility: to begin a role, duty, etc. as a job or responsibility. Assume = Take

1. If there is no president, power will be assumed by the most extremist forces.
2. He assumed the presidency.= He got the position of president.

• If assume a particular expression or way of behaving, you start to look or behave in this way.

Presume is a verb that means to suppose that something is true without any actual proof.

• If you presume that something is the case, you think that it is the case, although you are not certain: to think that something is true without knowing that it is true.

1. I presume you are here on business.
2. "Is she still at work?" "I presume so, since she is not home."

• If you say that someone presumes to do something, you mean that they do it even though they have no right to do it.

1. How can you presume(=dare) to touch my wife.

• If an idea, theory, or plan presumes certain facts, it regards them as true so that they can be used as basis for further ideas and theories.

1. The arrangement presumes that both lenders and borrowers are rational.

Difference:
To assume is to suppose something to be so, and is based on possible evidence. 
To presume is to believe something to be so, and is based on probable evidence.
In short: Presume means to suppose something with some probability or evidence, whereas assume means to suppose something without reason or evidence.

In a nutshell
Assume and presume both can be used when you think that something is true without knowing the truth. However, we use the word presume when we have basis for our beliefs. On the contrary, we assume when we have no basis for our beliefs.

1. If you see your son sleeping, you presume that he may be sick.                                                2. "Is she still at work?" "I presume so, since she is not home."

If your son is not home, you assume he may be playing outside, or he may be with his friends. In this sentence, your assumption is unlimited; you can't presume here because you have no evidence, no idea what your son is doing.

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