Definition Definition

assume - Meaning and Examples

Meaning of 'assume' (Webster Dictionary)

1 . Assume [ v. i.]
- To be arrogant or pretentious; to claim more than is due.
- To undertake, as by a promise.
2 . Assume [ v. t.]
- To take to or upon one's self; to take formally and demonstratively; sometimes, to appropriate or take unjustly.
- To take for granted, or without proof; to suppose as a fact; to suppose or take arbitrarily or tentatively.
- To pretend to possess; to take in appearance.
- To receive or adopt.

Meaning of 'assume' (Princeton's WordNet)

1 . assume [ v]
Meaning (1):
- take on a certain form, attribute, or aspect
Example in sentence:
  • he adopted an air of superiority;
  • His voice took on a sad tone;
  • She assumed strange manners;
  • The gods assume human or animal form in these fables;
  • The story took a new turn
Meaning (2):
- seize and take control without authority and possibly with force; take as one's right or possession
Example in sentence:
  • He assumed to himself the right to fill all positions in the town;
  • he usurped my rights;
  • She seized control of the throne after her husband died
Meaning (3):
- occupy or take on
Example in sentence:
  • He assumes the lotus position;
  • She took her seat on the stage;
  • She took up her position behind the tree;
  • strike a pose;
  • We took our seats in the orchestra
Meaning (4):
- make a pretence of
Example in sentence:
  • he feigned sleep;
  • She assumed indifference, even though she was seething with anger
Meaning (5):
- put clothing on one's body
Example in sentence:
  • He got into his jeans;
  • He put on his best suit for the wedding;
  • The princess donned a long blue dress;
  • The queen assumed the stately robes;
  • What should I wear today?
Meaning (6):
- take to be the case or to be true; accept without verification or proof
Example in sentence:
  • I assume his train was late
Meaning (7):
- take on as one's own the expenses or debts of another person
Example in sentence:
  • I'll accept the charges;
  • She agreed to bear the responsibility
Meaning (8):
- take up someone's soul into heaven
Example in sentence:
  • This is the day when Mary was assumed into heaven
Meaning (9):
- take on titles, offices, duties, responsibilities
Example in sentence:
  • When will the new President assume office?