DictionarypresumeTake liberties
verb

presume

To act beyond what one has the right or permission to do.

He presumes to speak for everyone without asking for opinions.

Etymology

Latin praesumere means to take beforehand. The overstepping sense treats someone as taking a liberty before being granted the right to it.

More examples

  • I would never presume to tell you how to raise your children.
  • Please don't presume on our friendship to get free legal advice.
  • She presumed to change the schedule without consulting the team.

Forms

presume · presumes · presumed · presuming

presumptuous adjective — Too bold in claiming rights or privileges.

presumption noun — Behavior that exceeds one's proper rights or authority.

Similar words

overstep
Emphasizes crossing a specific boundary of authority or acceptable behavior.
encroach
Emphasizes intruding on another person's rights, space, or authority.