assume

Pronunciation: /əˈsjuːm/

verb

Difficulty: common

Definition of assume

To accept something as true without proof or direct evidence, often as a basis for reasoning or action.

Origin of assume

Language of origin: Latin

Root word: assumere

Original meaning: to take to oneself, adopt, or take up

How it evolved: Originally meaning 'to take up' or 'adopt' in Latin, the word evolved to include the sense of taking something for granted or presupposing without proof.

The word 'assume' originates from Latin, passing through Old French before entering English in the Middle Ages.

First known use: 15th century

How to Remember assume

Imagine the word 'assume' as 'Ass-u-me'—don't make an 'ass' of 'u' and 'me' by jumping to conclusions without proof!

Synonyms for assume

Antonyms of assume

assume in a Sentence

  1. The professor asked the students not to simply assume the hypothesis but to rigorously test it through experimentation.
  2. She tends to assume the best intentions in people, which is both her greatest strength and her greatest vulnerability.
  3. While it’s tempting to assume causation from correlation, such an approach often leads to flawed conclusions.

assume in Literature & Culture

The word 'assume' is often used in literature to reflect human tendencies toward bias, presumption, or judgment, as seen in works by Shakespeare and Austen.

Usage Notes

Commonly confused with 'presume,' which implies a slightly stronger basis for belief. 'Assume' often carries a neutral or tentative connotation.

Why assume Matters for GRE & SAT

This word is frequently tested on the GRE due to its importance in logical reasoning and reading comprehension, where understanding subtle distinctions is key.

Word Family

assumption (noun)
A thing that is accepted as true or as certain to happen, without proof.
assumptive (adjective)
Characterized by or making assumptions.
reassume (verb)
To take on again or resume.

Did You Know?

  • The phrase 'to assume responsibility' reflects the original Latin sense of 'taking up' or adopting something.
  • In philosophical discourse, 'assume' plays a critical role in hypothesis formation and deductive reasoning.
  • The word often appears in legal contexts, such as 'assuming liability,' highlighting its formal implications.

More Vocabulary Words Starting with A

  • abate — decrease in intensity; lessen
  • aberrant — deviating from what is normal or expected
  • aberration — A departure from what is normal or expected
  • abet — assist or encourage, usually in wrongdoing
  • abeyance — suspension; temporary suppression
  • abeyance — suspension; temporary suppression
  • abhor — detest or regard with deep hatred
  • abide — tolerate, follow, or accept
  • abide — tolerate, follow, or accept
  • abject — most unfortunate or miserable