assumption
uh-SUHM-shn
Assumption (noun) means something accepted as true without proof, or the act of accepting it as true. Example: “You shouldn't make assumptions about people before you have even met them.”
noun
1
Something accepted as true without proof, or the act of accepting it as true.
"You shouldn't make assumptions about people before you have even met them."
"The whole plan rested on a false assumption."
"Let's work on the assumption that the budget stays the same."
2
The act of taking on a role, duty, or responsibility.
"Her assumption of the manager's duties began as soon as he left."
"The assumption of full responsibility for the mistake earned him respect."
"His assumption of the presidency marked a turning point for the party."
How to use assumption
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomething taken to be true without being checked, or the act of taking on a role.
Common pairings
false assumption
underlying assumption
make an assumption
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Word forms
- Plural
- assumptions
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You shouldn't make _____ about people before you have even met them.
Etymology
From Latin assumptio ("a taking up"), from assumere (see "assume"), plus the noun suffix "-ion".
Synonyms
View more →
presumption
supposition
premise
presupposition
conjecture
belief
presumptuousness
supposal
effrontery
premiss
Related words
Rhymes for assumption
region
ablation
allusion
emulsion
ideation
novation
diffusion
elocution
extension
oxidation
perfusion
selection
See all rhymes for assumption →
Frequently asked questions
What does “assumption” mean?
The word “assumption” means something accepted as true without proof, or the act of accepting it as true. In plain terms, something taken to be true without being checked, or the act of taking on a role.
How do you pronounce “assumption”?
“Assumption” is pronounced uh-SUHM-shn (/əˈsʌm(p).ʃ(ə)n/ in IPA).
How do you use “assumption” in a sentence?
Here is “assumption” used in a sentence: “The whole plan rested on a false assumption.”
What part of speech is “assumption”?
“Assumption” is a noun.
Where does the word “assumption” come from?
The word “assumption” comes from Latin. From Latin assumptio ("a taking up"), from assumere (see "assume"), plus the noun suffix "-ion".
Is “assumption” a common word?
“Assumption” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “assumption” have?
“Assumption” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: something accepted as true without proof, or the act of accepting it as true.
What is the difference between assumption and presumption?
An assumption is something accepted as true without proof, often unconsciously, as a starting point for reasoning. A presumption is usually a belief with somewhat more confidence or standing behind it — the law speaks of the presumption of innocence — and presumption can also mean overconfident, cheeky behavior. When there is no evidence either way, assumption is the safer word.
What is the difference between an assumption and a hypothesis?
A hypothesis is a proposed explanation put forward deliberately so that it can be tested against evidence. An assumption is simply accepted as true without proof and often goes unexamined. In research, assumptions are the untested beliefs underlying a study, while the hypothesis is the claim the study is designed to test.
Do you say 'make an assumption' or 'do an assumption'?
The standard collocation is 'make an assumption'; 'do an assumption' is not idiomatic English. Assumptions are also challenged, questioned, and based on things, and you can proceed 'on the assumption that' or 'under the assumption that' something is true. Both of those prepositional patterns are standard.
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