assume
verb (transitive)
UK/əˈsjuːm/US/əˈsuːm/
To pretend or act as if something is true when it is not.
Example Sentences
He assumed a different identity to avoid detection.
She assumed a cheerful demeanor despite feeling sad.
They assumed a false front to hide their true intentions.
He assumed an air of confidence during the presentation.
She assumed the role of a mediator to help resolve the conflict.
He assumed responsibility for the mistake even though it wasn't his fault.
They assumed the guise of tourists to explore the city incognito.
She assumed that everyone understood her instructions without clarification.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
Antonyms
How to Use
To adopt or accept something as true, or to take on a role or responsibility.“Assume” generally means to believe something is true in the absence of complete certainty, or to adopt a role or duty. When you say “I assume,” you’re forming a conclusion based on available clues or experience, even if it’s not conclusively proven—like assuming a friend is running late because of traffic. Meanwhile, to “assume a position” or “assume responsibility” implies stepping into a role, possibly with formal or official recognition, such as “He assumed the role of team captain.”In day-to-day life, we often assume smaller details for convenience—“I assumed the store would be open,” sometimes discovering we’re wrong if it’s closed. In professional or formal contexts, “assume” might appear in procedures (“Assume all data is correct unless otherwise indicated”) or job transitions (“She assumed the directorial position after the previous manager retired”). In each usage, “assume” highlights an acceptance of something—be it truth, authority, or obligations—often without immediate proof or only with partial evidence.
Alternatives
If you need synonyms, “presume” is close when referring to believing something without proof. “Suppose” leans more hypothetical. “Take on” or “adopt” can replace “assume” in contexts of accepting a position or task. “Presuppose” is more formal, emphasizing an assumption that underpins a line of reasoning. “Inferred” suggests drawing a conclusion from known facts, though it’s slightly more deliberate than “assume.” Choose “assume” when you want to capture the sense of stepping into a role or forming a belief in a straightforward way, without stressing heavy evidence or speculation.
Writing
When using “assume” in formal or academic writing, define what’s assumed and why. For instance, in a research paper you might say, “We assume a stable environment for all experiments,” indicating a foundational condition not directly tested. If you discuss role transitions—“She will assume command of the project”—explain the context, like why a leadership change is taking place and its anticipated impact. If referencing unverified beliefs, clarify the potential risk: “We assumed the data set was complete; however, missing records later emerged.” This structure highlights how assumptions underpin arguments or processes and points to any limitations that come from accepting them.
Casual Conversation
In everyday conversation, “assume” appears often when you’re making a guess—“I assumed you’d want pizza tonight,” or “Don’t assume I’m free tomorrow—I might have plans.” Friends or colleagues might push back with “Never assume!”—warning that incorrect assumptions can cause misunderstandings. You might also hear, “I assumed I’d fail the test, but I actually passed,” revealing an initially pessimistic guess proven wrong. Sometimes, people say “assuming the best” or “assuming the worst,” reflecting their personal biases or worry. Another casual use: “Just assume I’ll bring dessert,” meaning “treat it as a given.” While it can simplify planning, assumptions can lead to confusion if not confirmed. This is why in daily interactions, clarifying assumptions by asking questions or verifying info is key to avoiding missteps or conflict.
Etymology
“Assume” derives from the Latin “assumere,” made from “ad-” (to) and “sumere” (to take). Originally, it signified “take to oneself,” “take up,” or “adopt into usage.” In early English usage, it preserved this sense of taking something on—be it a belief, role, or responsibility—without immediate external proof. Over time, “assume” also came to signify drawing a conclusion from partial evidence. Whether you’re talking about stepping into leadership or tentatively accepting a premise, the root idea remains: you’re taking something upon yourself, be it a duty or a presumed truth.
