as ‧ sume S2 W1 AC /əˈsjuːm $ əˈsuːm/ BrE AmE verb [transitive]
[ Word Family: verb : ↑ assume ; noun : ↑ assumption ]
[ Date: 1500-1600 ; Language: Latin ; Origin: assumere , from ad- 'to' + sumere 'to take' ]
1 . to think that something is true, although you do not have definite proof SYN presume
assume (that)
I didn’t see your car, so I assumed you’d gone out.
it is/seems reasonable to assume (that)
It seems reasonable to assume that the book was written around 70 AD.
I think we can safely assume (=it is almost certain) that interest rates will go up again soon.
let us/let’s assume (that) (=used when thinking about a possible event or situation and its possible results)
Let us assume for a moment that we could indeed fire her. Should we?
When it got to midnight and Paul was still not back, I began to assume the worst (=think that the worst possible thing had happened) .
2 . assume control/responsibility etc formal to start to have control, responsibility etc or to start in a particular position or job:
Whoever they appoint will assume responsibility for all financial matters.
He assumed power in a bloody coup in 1990.
Jim Paton will assume the role of managing director.
3 . assume a manner/air/expression etc formal to behave in a way that does not show how you really feel, especially in order to seem more confident, happy etc than you are SYN put on :
Andy assumed an air of indifference whenever her name was mentioned.
4 . to start to have a particular quality or appearance SYN take on :
These relationships assume great importance in times of crisis.
The problem is beginning to assume massive proportions.
5 . to be based on the idea that something else is correct SYN presuppose
assume (that)
The theory assumes that both labour and capital are mobile.
Coen’s economic forecast assumes a 3.5% growth rate.
⇨ ↑ assuming