assume
gb/əsˈum/ us/əsˈum/
B1
English
~ 1000
Senses
0 senses
Verb
B1
action
1
Accept as true without proof
To think something is true without checking if it is correct.
Usage pattern:
to assume [that] [something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'assume' with 'guess', but 'assume' often suggests taking something as fact for the purpose of discussion or action, not just a random guess.
Synonyms
presume (Often used when there is some basis for the belief, while 'assume' can be with little or no proof.)
Antonyms
verify (Means to check and confirm something is true, the opposite of accepting without proof.)
Collocations
assume responsibility
|assume control
|assume the worst
|assume a role
|assume a position
Themes
thinking
|communication
|daily life
|education
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- I assumed you were coming to the meeting.
- Don't just assume he's guilty without evidence.
- She assumed they knew each other because they arrived together.
- We assumed the store would be open on Sunday.
- He assumed that everyone had received the email.
Learner examples
- I assumed she was at home.
- He assumed the box was empty.
- They assumed the bus would come soon.
- We assumed it would rain today.
- I assumed you liked coffee.
Verb
B2
action
2
Take on a role or duty
To start doing a job or role, or to take responsibility for something.
Usage pattern:
to assume [a role/responsibility/position]
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse this meaning with 'pretend'. In this sense, 'assume' means to take on officially, not to act like something else.
Synonyms
undertake (Emphasizes starting to do a task or responsibility, often voluntarily.)
Antonyms
relinquish (Means to give up a role or responsibility.)
Collocations
assume office
|assume command
|assume leadership
|assume control
|assume responsibility
Themes
work
|leadership
|responsibility
|business
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- She will assume the role of CEO next month.
- The new president assumed office in January.
- He assumed control after the manager resigned.
- They assumed responsibility for the project's success.
- The colonel assumed command of the battalion.
Learner examples
- She will assume the job next week.
- He assumed control of the team.
- I will assume the role of leader.
- The man assumed the position of manager.
- She assumed responsibility for the class.
Verb
C1
action
3
Begin to have a quality/appearance
To start to look like or be something.
Usage pattern:
to assume [an appearance/form/expression]
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse this with 'pretend', but here it means to actually take on the quality, not just act like it temporarily.
Synonyms
adopt (Can suggest taking on an appearance, style, or behavior intentionally.)
Antonyms
shed (Means to lose or remove a quality or appearance.)
Collocations
assume an air of confidence
|assume a posture
|assume a shape
|assume an expression
Themes
appearance
|change
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- His voice assumed a serious tone.
- The problem has assumed alarming proportions.
- She assumed an air of indifference.
- The building assumes a modern style after renovation.
- Her face assumed a look of surprise.
Learner examples
- Her face assumed a happy look.
- The sky assumed a dark color.
- He assumed a serious tone.
- The problem assumed a big size.
- The car assumed a new shape.
Grammar
Dictionary form
assume
IPA
GB/əsˈum/
US/əsˈum/
Syllables & stress
as - sume (2 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (sume)
Word forms
Verb
- Base: assume
- 3rd Person Singular: assumes
- Present Participle: assuming
- Past: assumed
Word family
Forms
assumes
verb
assuming
verb
assumed
verb
Core family
assumption
noun B2
Negative and opposite forms
unassuming
adjective
Advanced or less common
assumptive
adjective
Expressions
assume command
1/əsˈum kəmˈænd/
fixed phrase
Take official leadership role
To begin leading a group of people officially, especially in the military.
Examples
- The captain will assume command at 0800 hours.
- He assumed command of the operation immediately.
assume control
1/əsˈum kəntɹˈoʊl/
fixed phrase
Take control of something
To begin to be in charge of something, especially in an official way.
Examples
- The general assumed control after the coup.
- She assumed control of the project when her boss left.
assume responsibility
1/əsˈum ɹispˌɑnsɪbˈɪləti/
fixed phrase
Take responsibility for something
To agree to be in charge of something or accept blame for it.
Examples
- She will assume responsibility for managing the team.
- They assumed responsibility for the care of the animals.
let's assume that...
1/lˈɛts əsˈum ðˈæt |/
fixed phrase
Suppose for discussion purposes
Used when imagining something is true so you can talk about what happens next.
Examples
- Let's assume that we win—what will we do next?
- Let's assume that she agrees—how should we proceed?
make assumptions
1/mˈeɪk əsˈʌmpʃənz/
fixed phrase
Form beliefs without proof
To believe something is true without checking if it is correct.
Examples
- Don't make assumptions about people you don't know.
- He made assumptions based on incomplete data.