assume
C1Formal and neutral
Definition
Meaning
To accept something as true without proof or evidence.
To take on a role, responsibility, or appearance; to begin to have a particular quality.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Has dual senses: 1) cognitive (accept as true). 2) performative (take on role/responsibility). Can imply taking control.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning or usage.
Connotations
In both varieties, can carry a negative connotation of presumption when used in 'assume (that)...' sense.
Frequency
Equally common in both dialects.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
assume (that) + clauseassume + noun phraseassume + noun phrase + to-infinitiveVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “assume the worst”
- “to assume the mantle (of)”
- “assume airs (and graces)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used for taking on roles or responsibilities: 'She will assume the CEO position in April.'
Academic
Used for theoretical premises: 'The model assumes a constant rate of growth.'
Everyday
Used for unverified beliefs: 'I assumed you'd be late, so I didn't hurry.'
Technical
Used in logic, mathematics, and computing for initial conditions or hypotheses.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- We mustn't assume the train will be on time.
- He assumed a look of utter indifference.
American English
- Don't assume everyone agrees with you.
- The vice president will assume the duties of the office.
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I assume you like coffee?
- He assumes I am his friend.
- Let's assume the meeting starts at 10.
- She will assume a new role at work next month.
- We wrongly assumed they had been informed of the change.
- The study assumes that all participants are telling the truth.
- The theory assumes a perfectly competitive market, which is rarely the case.
- Upon his resignation, she assumed the mantle of leadership with quiet determination.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
To ASSUME makes an ASS out of U and ME (from old adage warning against making assumptions).
Conceptual Metaphor
TAKING IS BELIEVING (cognitively taking a fact into your mind) / PUTTING ON A MASK (taking on a role).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'presume' (предполагать based on probability) vs 'assume' (предполагать without evidence).
- The Russian 'считать' is often used for both 'consider' and 'assume', leading to overuse.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'assume' as a direct synonym for 'think' or 'believe' when there is evidence.
- Incorrect: 'I assume it will rain because I saw dark clouds.' (Better: 'I think/suppose...').
- Overusing in formal writing where 'presume', 'postulate', or 'suppose' might be more precise.
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'assume' in the sense of 'taking on a role'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Assume' is to accept without proof. 'Presume' is to believe based on probability or reasonable evidence.
Yes, when referring to taking on responsibilities or duties, e.g., 'She assumed control of the project efficiently.'
Yes, it's a very common and correct collocation meaning to take on or accept responsibility.
No. It only has a negative connotation of presumption when referring to beliefs formed without evidence. In other contexts, it is neutral.