Quote Originally Posted by Randi View Post
I have a new question... when do you use "assume" and when do you use "presume"? Oh and surmise?

And a few more...

speak/talk

stamina/perseverance

explain/elucidate

Anyone know?
What fun questions! Let's see what people come up with (without using a dictionary!)

Assume means to come to a conclusion based based on surrounding information.

Presume to me is just about the same thing - only with more emphasis

Surmise - drawing a conclusion - has a certain connotation to me of looking down your nose at the person who does not surmise as your do

Speak/talk - same thing - one just has more letters

Stamina is energy. Again - connotation - lots of energy

Stamina is what I need to have to persevere.

Preseverance - sticks with a task even though it is difficult

Explain/elucidate - mean the same thing - to describe. Elucidate has an air about it of "I will tell you, you poor simpleton, how it really is."