assume assume /əˈsuːm/

verb

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