Corrections Officer Entrance (CJBAT) Practice Exam

What word means to take something for granted, as in accepting something without verification?

1. Assume

2. Presume

3. Believe

4. Trust

The correct answer is: Presume

The correct answer is "presume." This term specifically implies taking something for granted or accepting it as true without verification or proof. In many contexts, to presume involves a certain level of assumption that goes beyond mere acceptance; it often indicates that one is making a judgment based on incomplete information. This is critical in settings such as law enforcement or corrections, where decisions should ideally be based on verified facts rather than assumptions. While "assume" can also convey a sense of accepting something without evidence, it does not capture the nuance of having a prior basis or reason for acceptance that may lead to overconfidence in what is believed. "Believe" and "trust" also imply a level of faith or confidence in something, but they do not specifically highlight the aspect of taking it for granted in the same way "presume" does. Therefore, "presume" is the most fitting term for the context of the question, as it emphasizes the act of accepting something without verification or proof.