- assume */*/*/
- UK [əˈsjuːm] / US [əˈsum]
verb [transitive]
Word forms "assume":
present tense I/you/we/they assume he/she/it assumes present participle assuming past tense assumed past participle assumed1)a) to believe that something is true, even though no one has told you or even though you have no proofassume (that):Everyone accepted she was telling the truth, although in fact this was quite a lot to assume.
I'm assuming everyone here has an email address.
assume someone/something to be/do something:I think we can safely assume that he is out of town.
I have always assumed her to be American.
b) to be based on the idea that something is trueThis forecast assumes there will be no recession.
This score is assumed to represent the achievement of an average 7-year-old.
2) formal to officially start a new job or positionHe formally assumes the presidency next week.
She has been invited to assume the role of mentor.
3) to start to control something although no one has officially asked you toHis first priority was assuming control of the army.
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Collocations:
Nouns frequently used as objects of assume
▪ authority, command, control, leadership, power, responsibility4) to begin to have a particular quality, shape, expression etcThe animals assumed their normal resting position.
Time with the family has started to assume greater importance.
5) to pretend to have a particular feeling or attitudeFay assumed an air of innocence.
English dictionary. 2014.