assume

 
Pronunciation: /əˈsjuːm/

verb

[with object]
  • 1suppose to be the case, without proof: topics which assume detailed knowledge of local events [with clause]: it is reasonable to assume that such changes have significant social effects [with object and infinitive]: they were assumed to be foreign
  • 2take or begin to have (power or responsibility): he assumed full responsibility for all organizational work
  • seize (power or control): the rebels assumed control of the capital
  • 3begin to have (a specified quality, appearance, or extent): militant activity had assumed epidemic proportions
  • take on or adopt (a manner or identity), sometimes falsely: Oliver assumed an expression of penitence she puts on a disguise, assumes a different persona, and cruises the squalid bars on the bad side of town (as adjective assumed) a man living under an assumed name

Derivatives

assumable

adjective

assumedly

Pronunciation: /-mɪdli/
adverb

Origin:

late Middle English: from Latin assumere, from ad- 'towards' + sumere 'take'