assume

verb

as·​sume ə-ˈsüm How to pronounce assume (audio)
assumed; assuming

transitive verb

1
a
: to take to or upon oneself : undertake
assume responsibility
b
: to place oneself in
assume a position
2
: seize, usurp
assume control
3
: to pretend to have or be : feign
assumed an air of confidence in spite of her nervousness
4
: to take as granted or true : suppose
I assume he'll be there.
5
: to take over (the debts of another) as one's own
6
: put on, don
Mrs. Fairfax assumed her best black satin gown, her gloves, and her gold watch.Charlotte Brontë
7
a
: to take up or in : receive
b
: to take into partnership, employment, or use
assumability noun
assumable adjective
assumably adverb

Did you know?

The Difference Between Assume and Presume

Assume and presume both mean "to take something for granted" or "to take something as true," but the words differ in the degree of confidence the person assuming or presuming has. Presume is used when someone is making an informed guess based on reasonable evidence. Assume is used when the guess is based on little or no evidence.

Presume functions a little differently in the legal catchphrase "presumed innocent until proven guilty." That sense of presume is separately defined as "to suppose to be true without proof." It is based on the fact that legal systems grant a defendant the presumption of innocence, thereby placing the burden of proof on the prosecution.

Choose the Right Synonym for assume

assume, affect, pretend, simulate, feign, counterfeit, sham mean to put on a false or deceptive appearance.

assume often implies a justifiable motive rather than an intent to deceive.

assumed an air of cheerfulness around the patients

affect implies making a false show of possessing, using, or feeling.

affected an interest in art

pretend implies an overt and sustained false appearance.

pretended that nothing had happened

simulate suggests a close imitation of the appearance of something.

cosmetics that simulate a suntan

feign implies more artful invention than pretend, less specific mimicry than simulate.

feigned sickness

counterfeit implies achieving the highest degree of verisimilitude of any of these words.

an actor counterfeiting drunkenness

sham implies an obvious falseness that fools only the gullible.

shammed a most unconvincing limp

Examples of assume in a Sentence

I assumed he was coming, so I was surprised when he didn't show up. She assumed from his expression that he was confused. We'll be arriving around noon. That's assuming that our flight is on time. The king assumed the throne when he was very young. Under certain conditions, the chemical will assume the appearance of ice.
Recent Examples on the Web The Ash Street settlement approved by Gloria and the City Council in 2022 called for San Diego to assume all liability for future legal costs for the landlord Cisterra Development and its lender, CGA Capital of Maryland. Jeff McDonald, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Mar. 2024 The Israeli military will then operate in the territory for an indefinite period on a counterterrorism mission, assume greater control along the border with Egypt and deradicalize the population. Bret Stephens, The Mercury News, 23 Mar. 2024 At the end, still in her black gown, she’s assumed clean-up duties after the party has ended. Chris Willman, Variety, 22 Mar. 2024 The projections assume that tax receipts would go up over time and go to retire stadium debt and continue those operating subsidies to the teams. Mike Hendricks, Kansas City Star, 22 Mar. 2024 At a time when artificial intelligence has assumed overlord status in the popular imagination, Nigel is a reminder of the unknown limits of human performance and the mysteries of the human mind. Krista Stevens, Longreads, 20 Mar. 2024 That’s assuming, of course, the board doesn’t decide to find its own music director. Mark Swed, Los Angeles Times, 20 Mar. 2024 The lounge furniture begs you to shed your burdens and assume a recumbent posish. Christopher Cameron, Robb Report, 12 Mar. 2024 In providing this support, the United States assumes a degree of complicity in the deeds of its allies. Daniel Byman, Foreign Affairs, 12 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'assume.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin assumere, from ad- + sumere to take — more at consume

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 7a

Time Traveler
The first known use of assume was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near assume

Cite this Entry

“Assume.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/assume. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

assume

verb
as·​sume ə-ˈsüm How to pronounce assume (audio)
assumed; assuming
1
: to take upon oneself
assume control
assumed the presidency
2
: take on sense 3, receive
it assumes greater importance now
3
: to pretend to have or be : put on
immediately assumed a look of innocence
4
: to take as true : suppose
I assumed he knew

Legal Definition

assume

transitive verb
as·​sume
assumed; assuming
1
: to voluntarily take upon oneself
assume a risk
2
: to take over (the debts or obligations of another) as one's own
assume a mortgage

More from Merriam-Webster on assume

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