adj
Common
assuming
uh-SYOO-mihng
Assuming (adj) means Arrogant or overly confident; taking too much for granted. Example: “Her assuming manner annoyed the other guests at the table.”
adj
1
Arrogant or overly confident; taking too much for granted.
"Her assuming manner annoyed the other guests at the table."
"It seemed a little assuming to take the best seat without asking."
"It was rather assuming of him to invite himself along."
noun
1
The act of accepting something as true, or of taking on a role.
"Assuming responsibility for the mistake was not easy for her."
"Their assuming that everyone agreed led to a heated meeting."
"His assuming of the chairmanship surprised no one."
How to use assuming
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishOften used to mean "on the assumption that" (e.g. "assuming it rains"), or as an adjective meaning arrogant.
Common pairings
assuming that
rather assuming
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like assuming.
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
- Plural
- assumings
- Comparative
- more assuming
- Superlative
- most assuming
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Her _____ manner annoyed the other guests at the table.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for assuming
See all rhymes for assuming →Frequently asked questions
What does “assuming” mean?
The word “assuming” means arrogant or overly confident; taking too much for granted. In plain terms, often used to mean "on the assumption that" (e.g. "assuming it rains"), or as an adjective meaning arrogant.
How do you pronounce “assuming”?
“Assuming” is pronounced uh-SYOO-mihng (/əˈsjuːmɪŋ/ in IPA).
How do you use “assuming” in a sentence?
Here is “assuming” used in a sentence: “It was rather assuming of him to invite himself along.”
What part of speech is “assuming”?
Depending on how it is used, “assuming” can be an adjective and a noun.
Is “assuming” a common word?
“Assuming” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “assuming” have?
“Assuming” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: arrogant or overly confident; taking too much for granted.
What is the difference between 'assuming' and 'presuming'?
Both involve taking something to be true without proof, but 'assuming' often means accepting something as a starting point without strong evidence, while 'presuming' suggests a firmer belief based on likelihood. 'Presuming' can also carry a sense of taking a liberty, as in 'presuming to speak for others'.
Is calling someone 'assuming' a compliment or an insult?
As an adjective, 'assuming' is negative: it describes someone who is arrogant or overly confident and takes too much for granted. Calling a person assuming is a criticism rather than praise.
What is the difference between 'assuming' and 'presumptuous'?
Both describe someone who takes too much for granted, and they overlap closely. 'Presumptuous' is the more common adjective in modern English for behaving with unwarranted boldness, while 'assuming' used as an adjective is a somewhat more old-fashioned way of expressing the same arrogant attitude.
Featured in
Vocabulary lists that include assuming:
