assume
- 01 B1 Intermediate
to think that something is true, even though you do not have certain proof.
to accept something as true or as certain to happen, even without proof or formal verification.
Simple“I assumed you were coming to the party because I saw your name on the list.”
In context“Psychologists often assume that early childhood experiences significantly shape adult personality, though this premise is frequently debated in modern research.”
PitfallI assumed about his arrival. I assumed he had arrived.The verb 'assume' usually takes a 'that' clause or a direct object, not the preposition 'about'.
- 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
to begin to have a particular job, responsibility, or power.
to take on or begin to exercise a role, duty, or responsibility. Transitive; requires a direct object.
Simple“The vice president will assume the role of director starting next month.”
In context“Upon the sudden resignation of the CEO, the chief operating officer was forced to assume full control of the company's daily operations.”
Antonyms - 03 C1 Advanced
to start to have a particular quality, look, or way of behaving.
to take on a particular quality, appearance, or characteristic, often one that is not natural or permanent.
Simple“The problem assumed a new importance after the latest news report.”
In context“As the sun began to set, the desert landscape assumed a deep purple hue that made navigation difficult for the returning scouts.”
- 04 C2 Proficiency
to pretend to have a feeling or a way of behaving that is not real.
to adopt a feigned quality or manner, often to deceive others.
Simple“He assumed an air of confidence to hide how nervous he actually felt.”
In context“The spy assumed a false identity, complete with forged documents and a convincing backstory, to infiltrate the high-security facility.”
Usage approach assume · assume existence · assume importance
From Latin assūmō (“accept, take”), from ad- (“to, towards, at”) + sūmō (“take up, assume”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.