as·sume 
/əˈsu:m/ verb
as·sumes; as·sumed; as·sum·ing /əˈsu:m/ verb [+ obj] 1 : to think that something is true or probably true without knowing that it is true
▪ I assumed he was coming, so I was surprised when he didn't show up. ▪ “Is he coming?” “So I assume.” = “I assume so.” ▪ I think we can safely assume that he's coming. = I think it's safe to assume that he's coming. ▪ She assumed from his expression that he was confused. ▪ Let's assume [=suppose] (that) she rejects your invitation. What will you do then? = Assuming (that) she rejects your invitation, what will you do? [=what will you do if she rejects your invitation?] ▪ We'll be arriving around noon. That's assuming that our flight is on time. ▪ The study assumes that the problem develops after birth. [=the study does not consider the possibility that the problem may begin before birth] 2 a : to begin (a role, duty, etc.) as a job or responsibility
▪ She assumed the presidency. = She assumed the position of president. ▪ assume [=take] office ▪ The king assumed the throne when he was very young.
b : to take or begin to have (power, control, etc.) in a job or situation
▪ He is ready to assume [=take] control of the organization. 3 : to begin to have (a particular appearance or quality)
▪ The last game of the season assumes much greater importance now. [=it becomes much more important now] ▪ Their financial problems assumed huge proportions. [=grew to be very serious] ▪ The sky gradually assumed [=took on] an otherworldly glow. ▪ Under certain conditions, the chemical will assume the appearance of ice. 4 a : to make yourself have (an appearance that does not show your true feelings) in order to deceive someone
▪ She immediately assumed a look of innocence. [=she had an expression on her face that made her look innocent, even though she wasn't]
b : to place yourself in (a particular position or posture)
▪ She assumed a sitting position [=she sat down] on the floor. 5 : to accept (a responsibility, debt, etc.)
▪ When they purchased the company they had to assume [=take on] its debts. ▪ assume liability ▪ The city assumes greater financial risk with that plan.
▪ I assumed he was coming, so I was surprised when he didn't show up. ▪ “Is he coming?” “So I assume.” = “I assume so.” ▪ I think we can safely assume that he's coming. = I think it's safe to assume that he's coming. ▪ She assumed from his expression that he was confused. ▪ Let's assume [=suppose] (that) she rejects your invitation. What will you do then? = Assuming (that) she rejects your invitation, what will you do? [=what will you do if she rejects your invitation?] ▪ We'll be arriving around noon. That's assuming that our flight is on time. ▪ The study assumes that the problem develops after birth. [=the study does not consider the possibility that the problem may begin before birth]
▪ She assumed the presidency. = She assumed the position of president. ▪ assume [=take] office ▪ The king assumed the throne when he was very young.
b : to take or begin to have (power, control, etc.) in a job or situation
▪ He is ready to assume [=take] control of the organization.
▪ The last game of the season assumes much greater importance now. [=it becomes much more important now] ▪ Their financial problems assumed huge proportions. [=grew to be very serious] ▪ The sky gradually assumed [=took on] an otherworldly glow. ▪ Under certain conditions, the chemical will assume the appearance of ice.
▪ She immediately assumed a look of innocence. [=she had an expression on her face that made her look innocent, even though she wasn't]
b : to place yourself in (a particular position or posture)
▪ She assumed a sitting position [=she sat down] on the floor.
▪ When they purchased the company they had to assume [=take on] its debts. ▪ assume liability ▪ The city assumes greater financial risk with that plan.
