assume

present (v1)

assume

past (v2)

assumed

past participle (v3)

assumed

present participle

assuming

3rd person singular

assumes

1. 1.To authenticate by means of belief; to surmise; to suppose to be true, especially without proof.

   • We assume that, as her parents were dentists, she knows quite a bit about dentistry.
   • Levelling of ME /irC/ and /urC/, which Orton assumes for the whole of the North (S. Durham §§411-13), has not taken place in Dent and S.We, where ME /urC/ remains (4:46).

2. 2.To take on a position, duty or form.

   • Trembling they stand while Jove assumes the throne.
   • Mr. Jones will assume the position of a lifeguard until a proper replacement is found.
   • His unruly hair was slicked down with water, and as Jessamy introduced him to Miss Brindle his face assumed a cherubic innocence which would immediately have aroused the suspicions of anyone who knew him.

3. 3.To adopt a feigned quality or manner; to claim without right; to arrogate.

   • He assumed an air of indifference.
   • Assume a virtue, if you have it not.

4. 4.To receive, adopt (a person).

   • The sixth was a young knight of lesser renown and lower rank, assumed into that honorable company.

Overall

Common· #1001

By learning goal

Everyday conversation

Uncommon

General reading & writing

Common

Academic

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Literature

Rare