assumes
|as/sumes|
🇺🇸
/əˈsumz/
🇬🇧
/əˈsjuːmz/
(assume)
take on or suppose
Etymology
'assume' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'assumere', where the prefix 'ad-' (in assimilated form 'as-') meant 'to/toward' and 'sumere' meant 'to take'.
'assume' changed from Latin 'assumere' into Old French 'assumer' and Middle English 'assumen', eventually becoming the modern English word 'assume'.
Initially it meant 'to take to oneself' (literally 'take up' or 'receive'), but over time it broadened to include 'take on' (a role or responsibility) and 'suppose' (make a supposition).
Meanings by Part of Speech
Verb 1
third-person singular present of 'assume': to suppose something is true without proof.
She assumes he'll arrive on time.
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Verb 2
third-person singular present of 'assume': to take on or accept a role, duty, or responsibility.
He assumes responsibility for the project next month.
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Verb 3
third-person singular present of 'assume': to take on a particular quality, appearance, or form.
The argument assumes a different tone when new evidence appears.
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Verb 4
third-person singular present of 'assume': to seize or take power or control (formal).
She assumes command of the unit tomorrow.
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Last updated: 2025/11/04 23:39