# assumption

/əˈsəmpʃən/ (US) · /ɐsˈʌmpʃən/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/assumption
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. something taken for granted

noun · CEFR B2

something that you accept as true or certain to happen, even if you do not have any proof.

For teachers: a belief or proposition accepted as true or as certain to happen, without proof or demonstration.

- The whole plan was based on the assumption that the weather would stay fine.
- The economic forecast relies on the flawed assumption that consumer spending will remain stable despite rising interest rates.

### 2. taking on power or a role

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

the act of taking a position of power or starting a new responsibility.

For teachers: the act of taking on or adopting a role, responsibility, or position of power.

- His assumption of the role of manager surprised everyone in the office.
- The sudden assumption of emergency powers by the president triggered widespread protests across the capital.

Usage: Often followed by the preposition 'of'.

### 3. religious event

noun · CEFR C2 · Formal

the belief in some Christian churches that Mary, the mother of Jesus, was taken into heaven.

For teachers: the doctrine or festival commemorating the bodily taking up of the Virgin Mary into heaven.

- Many countries have a public holiday in August to celebrate the Assumption.
- The cathedral features a stunning Renaissance painting depicting the Assumption of the Virgin surrounded by angels.

## Examples

- My plan is based on the assumption that the weather stays clear.
- The manager made a false assumption about the team's availability, which led to a major scheduling conflict.
- Scientific progress often requires us to challenge a fundamental assumption that has been treated as an absolute truth for decades, opening the door to entirely new paradigms.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.