Assume
/əˈsuːm/
verbB1
Definition
To assume something is to believe it is true even if you do not have all the facts or evidence. It can also mean to take control, responsibility, or a position, like starting a new job or role.
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See It in Action
To believe or accept something without full proof
- •I assume you are coming to the party since you didn’t say no.
- •Don’t assume he is angry just because he is quiet.
- •We assumed the train would be late because of the weather.
To take control, responsibility, or a role
- •She will assume the position of manager next month.
- •After the president resigned, the vice president assumed power.
- •He assumed responsibility for the project.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "assume" like "think" but with less proof—you guess or believe something without checking carefully.
- ✓Picture someone putting on a hat to show they are now the leader—this is like assuming a role.
- ✓It's the feeling when you guess what your friend will say next without them telling you.
- ✓Sounds like "uh-SOOM" → Imagine zooming quickly to a conclusion without stopping to check.
- ✓Think of Sherlock Holmes guessing who did it before seeing all clues—that is assuming.
- ✓NOT like "know" (you have clear facts), "assume" is more like a guess or idea without full proof.
- ✓NOT like "take" (physically get something), "assume" can mean to start a role or responsibility.
- ✓NOT like "guess" (random idea), "assume" often has some reason behind it but no full proof.
Try Other Words
- •Suppose: to think something is true (Use when you want to sound a bit softer or less certain)
- •Take on: to accept a role or responsibility (Use when talking about starting a job or duty)
- •Presume: to believe something is true based on probability (Use in more formal or legal contexts)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: "as-" (a form of "ad-", meaning to) + "sume" from Latin "sumere" meaning to take
- •Etymology: From Latin "assumere," meaning to take up or to adopt
- •Historical development: Used in English since the 14th century to mean taking on roles or beliefs
- •Modern usage: Commonly used to mean guessing or accepting something without full proof, and also to mean starting a role or responsibility
Reflect & Connect
•When is it good to assume something, and when can it cause problems?
•How do you decide when to assume a responsibility or wait for more information?
Fill in the blanks
1.People often assume ___ someone is angry when they are actually just tired.
2.Before starting the job, she had to assume ___ full responsibility for the team.
3.We shouldn’t assume ___ facts without checking carefully first.
4.He assumed ___ the role of leader after the old leader left.
5.It is easy to assume ___ something is true just because it seems likely.
6.When you assume ___ something, you might make mistakes if you are wrong.
7.They assumed ___ the project would finish on time, but there were delays.