what is it
benefit of doubt
If you "give someone the benefit of the doubt" you are saying that you will believe something good about someone, instead of something bad, when really either could be true.
The "doubt" is not knowing which is true. Perhaps a bad rumour about Bob is true, perhaps it isn't. By presuming that it is not, Bob is getting the "benefit" of that doubt.
The "doubt" is not knowing which is true. Perhaps a bad rumour about Bob is true, perhaps it isn't. By presuming that it is not, Bob is getting the "benefit" of that doubt.
aha, so that's what it means............. thx deady for your reply.. :)
So, I've been always unsure about the meaning of "presuming" (when it does not mean "to take a bold audacious step)
Does it just mean assume?
Does it just mean assume?
Its meaning is similar to that of "assume", but not exactly the same. "Presume" does mean to accept something as true without strong proof, as assume does, but it emphasizes that you're making an assumption based only on your present knowledge and that your opinion is subject to change upon the arrival of new information.
"I'll give you the benefit of the doubt here" - in effect, you will assume for reasons of expediency that what someone has told you really is the truth, or that the facts really are as stated, although you still have reservations about it.