Which should you use, presumptive or presumptuous? The adjective presumptive means believed to be true because it seems reasonable or likely, based on the information that you have. The adjective presumptuous means showing too much confidence and not much respect.
| Incorrect: |
It was presumptive of me to assume that I knew what was best for you.
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| Correct: |
It was presumptuous of me to assume that I knew what was best for you.
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| Incorrect: |
The physicians have made presumptuous diagnosis of smallpox.
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| Correct: |
The physicians have made presumptive diagnosis of smallpox.
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