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assume

v.
B2 Upper Intermediate Oxford US //əˈsum// UK //ɐsˈuːm// as·sume Academic General-service

v. to believe something is true without having proof. You often do this when you make a guess based on what usually happens.

v. to accept something as true or as certain to happen, without proof. Often used to introduce a premise in an argument or a hypothesis in research.


SIMPLE

I assume you are coming to the party tonight.

CONTEXTUAL

Scientists often assume that the laws of physics are the same everywhere in the universe until they find evidence otherwise.

COMPLEX

While it is tempting to assume that technological progress automatically leads to social improvement, history suggests that the relationship between the two is far more complicated and less predictable.

Synonyms
Origin

From Latin assūmō (“accept, take”), from ad- (“to, towards, at”) + sūmō (“take up, assume”).

Usage

Transitive verb; frequently followed by a 'that' clause or a direct object.

Pitfall

I assume about his successI assume his successThe verb is transitive and takes a direct object or a 'that' clause; it does not take the preposition 'about'.

Idioms3 entries

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