assumption

noun

as·​sump·​tion ə-ˈsəm(p)-shən 

1

: a taking to or upon oneself

the assumption of a new position

2

: the act of laying claim to or taking possession of something

the assumption of power

3

a

: an assuming that something is true

a mistaken assumption

b

: a fact or statement (such as a proposition, axiom (see axiom sense 2), postulate, or notion) taken for granted

4

a

: the taking up of a person into heaven

b

capitalized : August 15 observed in commemoration of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary

5

: the taking over of another's debts

6

: arrogance, pretension

Synonyms

• given
• hypothetical
• if
• postulate
• premise
• premiss
• presumption
• presupposition
• supposition

Examples of assumption in a Sentence

I made the assumption that he was coming, so I was surprised when he didn't show up.

He will come home tomorrow. At least, that's my assumption.

Many scientific assumptions about Mars were wrong.

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.

Her plan is based on the underlying assumption that the economy will improve in the near future.

her assumption of the presidency

the buyer's assumption of debt

Recent Examples on the Web

The collection-sharing scheme takes advantage of the public’s familiar but false assumption, which goes back to that storage issue. —Christopher Knight, Los Angeles Times, 22 Apr. 2024

The assumption was that FAST references rhythm, speed and tempo. —Kirk Kenney, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Apr. 2024

For most of Wednesday evening, the natural operating assumption was that Manchester City would advance past Real Madrid and reach yet another Champions League semifinal. —Rory Smith, New York Times, 19 Apr. 2024

Collaborate closely with internal teams, external partners and industry insiders to validate your strategy and poke holes in it to test your assumptions and make your product better. —Jeffrey Edell, Rolling Stone, 17 Apr. 2024

As the world’s first all quadriplegic esports gaming team, the Quad Gods are fierce competitors in this captivating story that challenges assumptions about disability, and spotlights the restorative power of resilience, passion and found community. —Jack Dunn, Variety, 17 Apr. 2024

The apparent assumption is that the world speaks English. —Rosemary Salomone, TIME, 7 Apr. 2024

That can lead to the young workers filling in the blanks with self-doubt or negative assumptions that managers never intended. —Danielle Abril, Washington Post, 10 Apr. 2024

In making the forward-looking statements in this news release, the Company has applied several material assumptions, including without limitation, the Company's the ability of the Company to fulfill the terms of and derive the benefits from the contract extension. —Kansas City Star, 9 Apr. 2024

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 4a

Phrases Containing assumption

• on/under/with the assumption
• self-assumption

Kids Definition

assumption

noun

as·​sump·​tion ə-ˈsəm(p)-shən 

1

capitalized : August 15 observed as a church festival to mark the taking up of the Virgin Mary into heaven

2

a

: the act of taking upon oneself or taking possession of something

3

a

: the belief that something is true

b

: a fact or statement taken for granted