Assumption

/əˈsʌmp.ʃən/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A thing that is accepted as true or as certain to happen, without proof.

The assumption that all students have access to a computer can lead to inequalities in education.

An idea or statement that is taken for granted or accepted as true without verification.

We made the assumption that the meeting would start on time.

A condition or belief that is accepted as a basis for reasoning or argument.

Her entire argument was based on the assumption that the project would be funded.

The act of taking on or adopting a role, responsibility, or identity.

His assumption of leadership was met with mixed reactions from the team.

The act of taking something for granted.

The assumption that everyone shares the same values can lead to misunderstandings.

Late Middle English: from Old French assumptioun, from Latin assumptio(n-), from assumere 'take up'.

make an assumption

To accept something as true without verifying it.

basic assumption

A fundamental idea or belief that is accepted as true.

assumption of risk

A legal doctrine stating that one cannot recover for injuries received when they voluntarily engaged in an activity.

underlying assumption

A belief or thought that is considered to be true and which supports a theory or statement.

presumption

An idea that is taken to be true and is often used for the purposes of argument or reasoning.

belief

An acceptance that something exists or is true, especially without proof.

Jumping to conclusions

Don’t just assume; jumping to conclusions can lead to misunderstandings.

Making something up

Her story was just an assumption; she was making it up as she went along.