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Definition of presumptive - 5 dictionary results

pre⋅sump⋅tive

[pri-zuhmp-tiv]
–adjective
1. affording ground for presumption: presumptive evidence.
2. based on presumption: a presumptive title.
3. regarded as such by presumption; based on inference.
4. Embryology. pertaining to the part of an embryo that, in the course of normal development, will predictably become a particular structure or region.

Origin:
1555–65; < LL praesūmptīvus. See presumption, -ive


pre⋅sump⋅tive⋅ly, adverb
pre·sump·tive   (prĭ-zŭmp'tĭv)   
adj.  
  1. Providing a reasonable basis for belief or acceptance.
  2. Founded on probability or presumption.
pre·sump'tive·ly adv.

Presumptive

Pre*sump"tive\, a. [Cf. F. pr['e]somptif.]

1. Based on presumption or probability; grounded on probable evidence; probable; as, presumptive proof.

2. Presumptuous; arrogant. [R.] --Sir T. Browne.

Presumptive evidence (Law), that which is derived from circumstances which necessarily or usually attend a fact, as distinct from direct evidence or positive proof; indirect or circumstantial evidence. "Presumptive evidence of felony should be cautiously admitted." --Blackstone. The distinction, however, between direct and presumptive (or circumstantial) evidence is now generally abandoned; all evidence being now more or less direct and more or less presumptive.

Presumptive heir. See Heir presumptive, under Heir.

Main Entry: pre·sump·tive
Pronunciation: pri-'z&mp-tiv
Function: adjective
1 : based on presumption : presumed to have occurred presumptive violation of law>
2 : giving grounds for reasonable opinion or belief —pre·sump·tive·ly adverb

Main Entry: pre·sump·tive
Pronunciation: pri-'z&m(p)-tiv
Function: adjective
1 : expected to develop in a particular directionunder normal conditions <presumptive regions of the blastula>
2 : being the embryonic precursor of <presumptive neural tissue>
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