presumably

presumably — adverb

1. used when you mention something that seems very likely true or correct, because

1.adverbB2
Definition

used when you mention something that seems very likely true or correct, because it follows naturally from the information or facts you already have.

Example

Vivek missed the morning bus, so he will presumably arrive late for the meeting.

presumably + statement (conclusion from evidence)

The library was closed when Mizuki reached it, presumably for the national holiday.

Common collocations
  • presumably because
  • presumably due to
  • presumably in order to
  • presumably will
  • presumably would
Synonyms
  • probably

    more general — expresses likelihood without the strong implication of logical reasoning from evidence

  • apparently

    based on what seems true from observation, but may be misleading; less confident in the reasoning

  • doubtless

    more emphatic and formal; suggests near-certainty with little room for doubt

  • assumedly

    less common and more formal; focuses on the act of assuming rather than the reasonableness of the conclusion

Grammar Patterns

presumably + [statement / clause]

presumably + [adjective phrase]

presumably + [past participle]

Usage Note

Unlike probably, presumably indicates that the speaker is drawing a conclusion from specific evidence or reasoning, not expressing a general likelihood. It can appear at the start of a sentence, before the main verb, or before a phrase giving a reason.

Common Mistakes

She presumably enjoys reading.
She presumably enjoys reading since she borrows books from the library every week.
presumably requires a basis in evidence or reasoning; without supporting context, probably is more natural.

Word family

  • presume
    verbB2
  • presumption
    nounB2
  • presumptuous
    adjectiveC1
  • presumptive
    adjectiveC1

Synonym discussion

Sense: adverb/1

Probably, presumably, apparently, doubtless, and supposedly all indicate likelihood, but they differ in how certain the speaker sounds and what kind of evidence they rely on. Probably is the most neutral — it expresses general likelihood without pointing to specific facts ("It will probably rain"). Presumably is stronger: the speaker draws a conclusion from known evidence ("She took the early train, so she will presumably arrive first"). Apparently reports what seems true from what you have seen or heard, but it allows that appearances could be wrong ("He is apparently the manager"). Doubtless expresses near-certainty and is somewhat formal ("The team will doubtless celebrate"). Supposedly tells what others claim or believe, often with a hint of doubt ("The medicine supposedly works"). Use presumably when you want to show that your statement follows from information you consider reliable.

probably ↗apparently ↗doubtless ↗supposedly ↗

Common collocations

Phrases

  • presumably because
  • presumably due to
  • presumably in order to

Etymology

LatinFrenchEnglish

Presumably comes from the verb presume, which entered English from Latin praesumere — made up of prae- ("before") and sumere ("to take"). The original idea was "to take before the facts are known," meaning to form an opinion in advance. The ending -ably was added to turn the verb into an adverb meaning "in a way that can be presumed."