DictionaryAI

assume

verb
uh-SOOM/əˈsjuːm/uh-SYOOM/əˈsjuːm/

Formsassumes, assuming, assumed

5 meanings of assume

Practice

  1. 1
    supposeverbtransitive
    To believe something is true without checking it or having proof.

    Like guessing what is inside a wrapped gift before you open it.

    I assume you've already eaten dinner.

    Don't assume the door is locked just because it looks shut.

    UsageSay assume (that) + what you think: I assume that you know.

    Similarsuppose, presume, think, believe, expect

    Note
  2. 2
    take onverbtransitive
    To take on a role or duty, or begin to have a particular shape or form.

    Like putting on a uniform when you begin a new job.

    She will assume the role of team captain next month.

    Over time the clay assumes the shape the potter wants.

    UsageOften assume the role of or assume responsibility for something.

    Similartake, adopt, acquire

    Oppositerelinquish, resign

    Note
  3. 3
    put on falselyverbtransitive
    To pretend to have a quality, or to take something you have no right to.

    Like wearing a mask to seem braver than you really are.

    He likes to assume an air of confidence he doesn't really feel.

    She assumed a friendly smile to hide her anger.

    UsageOften assume an air of something, or assume a false name.

    Similarfeign, affect, fake, usurp

    Note

Less common meanings

  1. 4
    verb
    To take up an idea or cause and make it your own.
  2. 5
    verb
    To take a person into a group or family, or to take someone up into heaven.

Practice

Can you tell the meanings of assume apart? Answer 4 quick questions from this page, or write your own sentence and AI will check it.

Origin

Latin put ad- ("to, towards") together with sūmō ("take up") to form assūmō, which meant "accept" or "take."