Word
presumably
Phoneticspre·sum·ably
US/pɹəˈzuməbɫi/
UK/pɹɪzjˈuːməbli/
Sentence adverb
Definition
adv. used to say that you think something is true, even if you are not 100% sure. You use it when you have a good reason to believe something based on what you already know.
adv. used to convey that a statement is very likely true based on the available evidence, though not definitively proven.
Examples
“The store is closed, so presumably they have gone home.”
“The flight was delayed for three hours, so presumably the passengers will be eligible for a refund.”
“The artifacts were found deep within the cave system, presumably left there by early inhabitants seeking shelter from the harsh glacial climate of the era.”
Examples
simple
“The store is closed, so presumably they have gone home.”
contextual
“The flight was delayed for three hours, so presumably the passengers will be eligible for a refund.”
complex
“The artifacts were found deep within the cave system, presumably left there by early inhabitants seeking shelter from the harsh glacial climate of the era.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “presumably” in context.
Verb
01. presumably reflect
“The recent changes in policy presumably reflect the government's concern over rising inflation.”
adv + verb
Usage
Sentence adverb — typically placed at the beginning of a clause or before the main verb to indicate the speaker's degree of certainty.
Pitfall
It is presumably that he will win.
Presumably, he will win.
Presumably is an adverb and cannot function as an adjective following 'it is'; use 'it is probable' or 'presumably' as a sentence modifier.
Real-World Examples
“Presumably, the essential point here is what kind of things they do in their screen time.” “It would presumably need to be made of lead or other high-density materials that would add mass and make moving around nearly impossible.” “A years-long international investigation determined that federal forces, both police and military, were also involved either by participating directly or failing to intervene as the students were taken away and presumably killed.” Grammar
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990EikenEikenTest in Practical English ProficiencyThe English proficiency test from the Eiken Foundation of Japan, widely taken by Japanese students. Grades run from 5 to 1, with Pre-1 and Pre-2 between them.Grade 1
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- C1 · AdvancedOxford
- Updated
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