assumption

as·sump·tion

noun \ə-ˈsəm(p)-shən\

Definition of ASSUMPTION

1

a : the taking up of a person into heaven b capitalized : August 15 observed in commemoration of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary

2

: a taking to or upon oneself <the assumption of a new position>

3

: the act of laying claim to or taking possession of something <the assumption of power>

4

: arrogance, pretension

5

a : an assuming that something is true b : a fact or statement (as a proposition, axiom, postulate, or notion) taken for granted

6

: the taking over of another's debts

Examples of ASSUMPTION

1. I made the assumption that he was coming, so I was surprised when he didn't show up.
2. He will come home tomorrow. At least, that's my assumption.
3. Many scientific assumptions about Mars were wrong.
4. I'm telling you our arrival time on the assumption that you will check to see whether or not our flight is on time before you come to the airport.
5. Her plan is based on the underlying assumption that the economy will improve in the near future.
6. her assumption of the presidency
7. the buyer's assumption of debt

Origin of ASSUMPTION

Middle English, from Late Latin assumption-, assumptio taking up, from Latin assumere

First Known Use: 13th century

Related to ASSUMPTION

Synonyms: given, hypothetical, if, postulate, premise (also premiss), presumption, presupposition, supposition

Antonyms: humility, modesty, unassumingness, unpretentiousness

Related Words: hypothesis, proposition, theory, thesis; axiom, truism, verity; belief, canon, doctrine, dogma, gospel, law; precept, principle, rule, standard, tenet; basis, foundation, ground; conclusion, deduction, inference; affirmation, assertion, avouchment, declaration; dictum, ipse dixit

Near Antonyms: bashfulness, demureness, retiringness, shyness; diffidence, self-distrust, self-doubt, timidity, timidness; lowliness, meekness, mousiness, passiveness, passivity, submissiveness; quietness, reserve, reservedness

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