Both Uses of
presume
in
The Great Gatsby
- ...she was presumably engaged to a man from New Orleans.
p. 75..8 (definition 1) *presumably = thought to be (without definite knowledge)standard suffix: The suffix "-ably" is a combination of the suffixes "-able" and "-ly". It means in a manner that is capable of being. This is the same pattern you see in words like agreeably, favorably, and comfortably.
- I think he realizes that his presumptuous little flirtation is over.
p. 135..2 (definition 2) *presumptuous = inappropriately bold (exercising privileges to which he is not entitled)
Definitions:
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(1) (presume as in: presumption of innocence) to think of something as true or likely, even though it is not known with certaintyeditor's notes: Something can be presumed because it seems reasonable or because there is a rule or law demanding such an assumption. For example, in the United States someone charged with a crime is presumed by law to be innocent unless they are proven guilty at a trial.
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(2) (presumptuous as in: she is presumptuous) exercising privileges to which one is not entitled -- such as being too familiar or too bossy