presunto
“presunto” means “alleged” in Spanish (when someone is suspected of a crime but not yet proven guilty).
alleged
Also: suspected, presumed
📝 In Action
El presunto ladrón fue detenido esta mañana.
B1The alleged thief was arrested this morning.
Estamos investigando un presunto caso de fraude.
B2We are investigating an alleged case of fraud.
La policía busca al presunto autor del crimen.
C1The police are looking for the suspected perpetrator of the crime.
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: presunto
Question 1 of 3
If a news reporter calls someone 'el presunto autor,' what do they mean?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
From Latin 'praesumptus,' which literally means 'taken beforehand.' It comes from the idea of forming an opinion before you have all the facts.
First recorded: 15th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does 'presunto' always mean someone committed a crime?
Not necessarily, but it is most commonly used in legal or criminal contexts to describe a 'suspected' person or act.
What is the difference between 'sospechoso' and 'presunto'?
'Sospechoso' can be a noun (the suspect) or an adjective. 'Presunto' is almost always an adjective used before a noun to sound more professional or legal.
Wait, does 'presunto' mean ham in Spanish?
No! In Portuguese, 'presunto' means ham. In Spanish, ham is 'jamón.' This is a classic 'false friend' if you speak both languages!