assume

Verb

Verb Forms: assumed, assuming, assumes

• To suppose to be the case, without proof; to take on.
• take to be the case or to be true; accept without verification or proof
  • "I assume his train was late"
• take on titles, offices, duties, responsibilities
  • "When will the new President assume office?"
• take on a certain form, attribute, or aspect
  • "She assumed strange manners"
  • "The gods assume human or animal form in these fables"
• take on as one's own the expenses or debts of another person
• occupy or take on
  • "He assumes the lotus position"
• seize and take control without authority and possibly with force; take as one's right or possession
  • "He assumed to himself the right to fill all positions in the town"
• make a pretence of
  • "She assumed indifference, even though she was seething with anger"
• take up someone's soul into heaven
  • "This is the day when May was assumed into heaven"
• put clothing on one's body
  • "The queen assumed the stately robes"
• To authenticate by means of belief; to surmise; to suppose to be true, especially without proof
• To take on a position, duty or form
• To adopt a feigned quality or manner; to claim without right; to arrogate
• To receive, adopt (a person)
• To adopt (an idea or cause)

Examples

• He assumed an air of indifference.
• I assume you have a good word, based on that smug look.
• Mr. Jones will assume the position of a lifeguard until a proper replacement is found.
• We assume that, as her parents were dentists, she knows quite a bit about dentistry.

Synonyms

accept, acquire, adopt, arrogate, bear, don, feign, get into, presume, put on, seize, sham, simulate, strike, take, take for granted, take on, take over, take up, usurp, wear

Related Words

assuming, assumption, assumptive