assume
uh-SYOOM
Assume (verb) means to accept something as true without proof. Example: “I assumed you already knew about the change of plan.”
verb
1
To accept something as true without proof.
"I assumed you already knew about the change of plan."
"Don't assume the meeting is cancelled just because no one confirmed it."
"Let's assume the shop is open until six and go after work."
2
To take on a role, responsibility, or form.
"She assumed the role of team leader after the reorganization."
"He will assume control of the department when the manager retires."
"The chameleon can assume the colour of the leaves around it."
How to use assume
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo take something as true without checking, or to take on a role or responsibility.
Common mistake
The old joke that "assume makes an ass of u and me" is a memory aid, not an etymology — but it captures how risky unchecked assumptions can be.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
assume responsibility
assume control
safe to assume
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like assume.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Third person singular
- assumes
- Past tense
- assumed
- Archaic forms
- assumest, assumedst, assumeth
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
I _____ you already knew about the change of plan.
Etymology
From Latin assumere ("to take up, accept"), from ad- plus sumere ("to take").
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for assume
See all rhymes for 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.
Featured in
Vocabulary lists that include assume:
