26984 words

assume

10 definitions • 25 examples
1
to accept something to be true without question or proof:

Examples:

We mustn't assume the suspects' guilt.
[ + (that) ] I assumed (that) you knew each other because you went to the same school.
Let's assume that they're coming and make plans on that basis.
[ + to infinitive ] We can't assume the suspects to be guilty simply because they've decided to remain silent.
2
to pretend to have a different name or be someone you are not, or to express a feeling falsely:

Examples:

Moving to a different town, he assumed a false name.
He assumed a look of indifference but I knew how he felt.
assume an identity During the investigation, two detectives assumed the identities of antiques dealers.
3
to take or begin to have responsibility or control, sometimes without the right to do so, or to begin to have a characteristic:

Examples:

She is likely to assume the position of team captain next season.
I didn't want to assume the risk of trying to fix the car myself.
The new president assumes office at midnight tonight.
assume control The terrorists assumed control of the plane and forced it to land in the desert.
assume responsibility If you leave your belongings here, we cannot assume responsibility for what happens to them.
4
to accept something as true without question or proof:

Examples:

[ + (that) clause ] We can’t assume (that) he’s innocent simply because he says he is.
[ + (that) clause ] I assumed (that) nobody was home because the car wasn’t in the driveway.
5
to pretend to be someone you are not, or to express a feeling falsely:

Examples:

6
to take control or claim authority, sometimes without the right to do so:

Examples:

7
If you assume responsibility for something, you become responsible for it.
8
to begin to take control of something:

Examples:

assume responsibility for sth The FSA said mortgages would not be affected when it assumed responsibility for the regulation of mortgage sales.
assume a debt/mortgage/risk In addition to paying $3 billion in cash, the newspaper group will assume $600 million of the company’s debt.
9
to accept that something is true without being sure about it:

Examples:

We are assuming a 6% growth in sales.
assume that We can safely assume that we are ahead of the competition with this product.
Assuming that all goes well, how long is the project expected to take?
10
to be based on a particular idea:

Examples:

These figures assume that inflation will rise no higher than 2%.

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