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assume

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verb [transitive] British English pronunciation: assume /əˈsjuːm/ 
Word Forms
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present tense
I/you/we/theyassume
he/she/itassumes
present participleassuming
past tenseassumed
past participleassumed
 
  1. 1
    to believe that something is true, even though no one has told you or even though you have no proof

    Everyone accepted she was telling the truth, although in fact this was quite a lot to assume.

    assume (that):

    I’m assuming everyone here has an email address.

    I think we can safely assume that he is out of town.

    assume someone/something to be/do something:

    I have always assumed her to be American.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  assumeThesaurus entry for this meaning of assume
    1. a.
      to be based on the idea that something is true

      This forecast assumes there will be no recession.

      This score is assumed to represent the achievement of an average 7-year-old.

      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  assumeThesaurus entry for this meaning of assume
  2. 2
    formal to officially start a new job or position

    He formally assumes the presidency next week.

    She has been invited to assume the role of mentor.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  assumeThesaurus entry for this meaning of assume
  3. 3
    to start to control something although no one has officially asked you to

    His first priority was assuming control of the army.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  assumeThesaurus entry for this meaning of assume
  4. 4
    to begin to have a particular quality, shape, expression etc

    The animals assumed their normal resting position.

    Time with the family has started to assume greater importance.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  assumeThesaurus entry for this meaning of assume

This is the British English definition of assume. View American English definition of assume.

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