assume

assume
as|sume
W1S1 [əˈsju:m US əˈsu:m] v [T]
[Date: 1500-1600; : Latin; Origin: assumere, from ad- 'to' + sumere 'to take']
1.) to think that something is true, although you do not have definite proof
= ↑presume assume (that)
▪ I didn't see your car, so I assumed you'd gone out.
it is/seems reasonable to assume (that)
▪ It seems reasonable to assume that the book was written around 70 AD.
▪ I think we can safely assume (=it is almost certain) that interest rates will go up again soon.
let us/let's assume (that)
(=used when thinking about a possible event or situation and its possible results)
▪ Let us assume for a moment that we could indeed fire her. Should we?
▪ When it got to midnight and Paul was still not back, I began to assume the worst (=think that the worst possible thing had happened) .
2.) assume control/responsibility etc
formal to start to have control, responsibility etc or to start in a particular position or job
▪ Whoever they appoint will assume responsibility for all financial matters.
▪ He assumed power in a bloody coup in 1990.
▪ Jim Paton will assume the role of managing director.
3.) assume a manner/air/expression etc
formal to behave in a way that does not show how you really feel, especially in order to seem more confident, happy etc than you are
= ↑put on
▪ Andy assumed an air of indifference whenever her name was mentioned.
4.) to start to have a particular quality or appearance
= ↑take on
▪ These relationships assume great importance in times of crisis.
▪ The problem is beginning to assume massive proportions .
5.) to be based on the idea that something else is correct
= ↑presuppose assume (that)
▪ The theory assumes that both labour and capital are mobile.
▪ Coen's economic forecast assumes a 3.5% growth rate.
→↑assuming

Dictionary of contemporary English. 2013.

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Synonyms:
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Look at other dictionaries:

  • assume — as·sume vt as·sumed, as·sum·ing 1: to voluntarily take upon oneself assume a risk 2: to take over (the debts or obligations of another) as one s own assume a mortgage Merriam Webster’s Dictionary of Law. Merriam Webster …   Law dictionary

  • assume — UK US /əˈsjuːm/ verb [T] ► to begin to take control of something: assume control/office/a role »Europe has assumed a leadership role in the prevention of future global crises. assume responsibility for sth »The FSA said mortgages would not be… …   Financial and business terms

  • assume — assume, presume 1. Both words can mean ‘suppose’ and are often interchangeable in this meaning. Fowler (1926) maintained that there is a stronger element of postulation or hypothesis in assume and of a belief held on the basis of external… …   Modern English usage

  • assume — [ə so͞om′, əsyo͞om′] vt. assumed, assuming [ME assumen < L assumere, to take up, claim < ad , to + sumere, to take: see CONSUME] 1. to take on or put on (the appearance, form, role, etc. of) 2. to seize; usurp [to assume control] 3. to take …   English World dictionary

  • assume — 1 Assume, affect, pretend, simulate, feign, counterfeit, sham mean to put on a false or deceptive appearance. Assume often implies a pardonable motive rather than an intent to deceive {it sometimes happens that by assuming an air of cheerfulness… …   New Dictionary of Synonyms

  • assume — [v1] believe, take for granted accept, ascertain, be afraid, be inclined to think, conclude, conjecture, consider, count upon, deduce, deem, divine, estimate, expect, fall for, fancy, find, gather, get the idea*, guess, have a hunch*, have… …   New thesaurus

  • Assume — As*sume , v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Assumed}; p. pr. & vb. n. {Assuming}.] [L. assumere; ad + sumere to take; sub + emere to take, buy: cf. F. assumer. See {Redeem}.] 1. To take to or upon one s self; to take formally and demonstratively; sometimes,… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • assume — (v.) early 15c., assumpten to receive up into heaven (especially of the Virgin Mary), also assumen to arrogate, from L. assumere to take up, take to oneself, from ad to, up (see AD (Cf. ad )) + sumere to take, from sub under + emere …   Etymology dictionary

  • Assume — As*sume , v. i. 1. To be arrogant or pretentious; to claim more than is due. Bp. Burnet. [1913 Webster] 2. (Law) To undertake, as by a promise. Burrill. [1913 Webster] …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • assume — an agreement to continue performing duties under a contract or lease (Glossary of Common Bankruptcy Terms) An agreement between the debtor and the other party to an executory contract to continue performing duties under that contract. A lease is… …   Glossary of Bankruptcy

  • assumé — assumé, ée (a su mé, mée) part. passé. La responsabilité assumée par cet employé …   Dictionnaire de la Langue Française d'Émile Littré

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