assume
12 synonyms and 3 antonyms for assume, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To accept something as true without proof.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. verb
To accept something as true without proof.
“I assumed you already knew about the change of plan.”
Opposites
How to use assume
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
assume responsibility
assume control
safe to assume
Etymology
From Latin assumere ("to take up, accept"), from ad- plus sumere ("to take").
Full origin of assume →Frequently asked questions
What does “assume” mean?
The word “assume” means to accept something as true without proof. In plain terms, to take something as true without checking, or to take on a role or responsibility.
How do you pronounce “assume”?
“Assume” is pronounced uh-SYOOM (/əˈsjuːm/ in IPA).
How do you use “assume” in a sentence?
Here is “assume” used in a sentence: “I assumed you already knew about the change of plan.”
What part of speech is “assume”?
“Assume” is a verb.
Where does the word “assume” come from?
The word “assume” comes from Latin. From Latin assumere ("to take up, accept"), from ad- plus sumere ("to take").
Is “assume” a common word?
“Assume” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “assume” have?
“Assume” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to accept something as true without proof.
What is the difference between assume and presume?
Both mean to accept something as true without proof, but presume rests on good reason or evidence, while assume can be a pure guess with little to back it. 'I presume you're the new manager' suggests grounds for thinking so; 'I assume it'll be fine' may be little more than hope.
What is the difference between assume and infer?
To assume is to take something as true without evidence. To infer is to reach a conclusion from evidence through reasoning. An assumption is a starting point you accept; an inference is an endpoint you work out. Speakers imply, listeners infer, and they assume when they simply take things for granted.
Can 'assume' mean something other than to suppose?
Yes. 'Assume' also means to take on a role, duty, or power, as in 'she assumed control of the company.' It can further mean to adopt an appearance, as in 'the problem assumed serious proportions.' Context shows whether it means to suppose or to take on.
