Assuming

/əˈsjuːmɪŋ/

verbBeginner🔥Very CommonMental Action
2 meanings1 idiom/phrase2 questions

Definitions

2 meanings
1

To take for granted; to suppose.

/əˈsjuːmɪŋ/

verbneutralBeginner
Mental Action

To accept something to be true without proof.

I'm assuming he'll be there.

💡 Simply: To believe something is true without knowing for sure.

More Examples

2

Don't assume you know the answer.

How It's Used

General

"I'm assuming you've already eaten."

Logic

"The theorem assumes the existence of a prime number."

2

To begin to have (power or responsibility).

/əˈsjuːmɪŋ/

verbneutralIntermediate
Action

To take on a role or responsibility.

She assumed the presidency after his resignation.

💡 Simply: To start doing or being something.

More Examples

2

He assumed a more serious demeanor.

How It's Used

Acting

"He assumed the role of Hamlet with great skill."

Tip:Think of 'sum' - taking on the sum total of a role.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

Antonyms

Idioms & expressions

assuming that

With the supposition that; on the basis of.

"Assuming that the weather is good, we'll have a picnic."

From Middle English assumen, from Old French assumer, from Latin assumere (to take to oneself), from ad- + sumere (to take).

The word 'assuming' has been used in similar ways throughout its history, often emphasizing the act of taking something for granted or taking on a responsibility.

Memory tip

Think of 'sum' - you are adding something to your belief system without proof.

Word Origin

Original meaning

"to take to oneself"

assuming responsibilityassuming controlassuming a roleassuming the worst

Common misspellings

asummingassumming

Usage

60%Spoken
40%Written