Assume

/əˈsuːm/

Meaning & Definition

verb

To take for granted or without proof; to suppose.

I assume you will attend the meeting tomorrow.

To take on a position, responsibility, or duty.

She will assume the role of team leader starting next week.

To take up or begin to have.

He assumed a defensive posture when he saw the dog.

To accept something as true without verification.

We can assume that the project will be completed on time based on past performance.

Middle English: from Latin assumere, from ad- 'to' + sumere 'to take'.

assume responsibility

to take charge or accept accountability for something.

assume the worst

to believe that the most negative or pessimistic outcome will occur.

assume a position

to take up a specific role or stance.

presume

to suppose something is true based on probability.

postulate

to suggest or assume the existence or truth of something as a basis for reasoning.

presumption

an idea that is taken to be true.

to make a guess about something

Don't assume I'll be free; just ask first.

to take something for granted

You can't just assume he's coming to the party.