Assume (Verb)
Meaning 1
Take on titles, offices, duties, responsibilities; "When will the new President assume office?".
Classification
Verbs of political and social activities and events.
Examples
- She will assume the role of CEO after her predecessor's retirement.
- When will the new mayor assume office and make changes to the current policies.
- He is expected to assume his duties as a team leader next quarter.
- The vice president will assume responsibility for managing the development project.
- The experienced manager will assume the position of department head after a month of training.
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Meaning 2
Take on a certain form, attribute, or aspect; "His voice took on a sad tone"; "The story took a new turn"; "he adopted an air of superiority"; "She assumed strange manners"; "The gods assume human or animal form in these fables".
Classification
Verbs of size, temperature change, intensifying, etc..
Examples
- The company assumed the identity of a tech startup to lure in younger investors.
- The mythical creature assumed the form of a beautiful woman to lure sailors to their doom.
- During Halloween, the neighborhood assumed a spooky atmosphere with cobwebs and jack-o-lanterns everywhere.
- The actor assumed the role of a villain so convincingly that the audience booed him every time he appeared on stage.
- In the fantasy novel, the gods assumed various animal forms to disguise themselves among mortals.
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Meaning 3
Take up someone's soul into heaven; "This is the day when Mary was assumed into heaven".
Classification
Verbs of touching, hitting, tying, digging.
Examples
- The Catholic Church teaches that the Virgin Mary was assumed into heaven, both body and soul, at the end of her earthly life.
- According to Christian tradition, the prophet Elijah was assumed into heaven in a whirlwind of flames.
- Many people believe that the apostle John was assumed into heaven, avoiding death, as he finished writing the Book of Revelation.
- The Assumption of Mary is celebrated on August 15 in many Christian denominations to commemorate her assumption into heaven.
- Orthodox Christians also believe in the assumption of other saints, taking them up into heaven, but there is no central list of these assumptions.
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Meaning 4
Take to be the case or to be true; accept without verification or proof; "I assume his train was late".
Classification
Verbs of thinking, judging, analyzing, doubting.
Examples
- I assume she's still at the office, working late.
- He assumes that everyone has an equal chance of getting the job.
- I assume his lack of attendance is due to illness.
- She assumes that the package will be delivered by the end of the week.
- They assume that tourists know the local laws and customs.
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Meaning 5
Make a pretence of; "She assumed indifference, even though she was seething with anger"; "he feigned sleep".
Classification
Verbs of sewing, baking, painting, performing.
Examples
- He assumed a carefree attitude despite being deeply concerned about the situation.
- She assumed a posh accent to fit in with the wealthy social circle.
- The actor assumed a limp to get into character for the role.
- He assumed an air of confidence, but his voice betrayed his nervousness.
- She assumed a neutral expression, hiding her true feelings from her colleagues.
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Meaning 6
Occupy or take on; "He assumes the lotus position"; "She took her seat on the stage"; "We took our seats in the orchestra"; "She took up her position behind the tree"; "strike a pose".
Classification
Verbs of walking, flying, swimming.
Examples
- She assumes the presidential office today after her win in the elections.
- He assumes the position of deputy manager next month when his promotion is official.
- She assumes her seat on the throne once the coronation ceremony is complete.
- The main actor assumes his position on stage as the curtains draw open.
- The army general assumes command of the troops on the battlefield immediately.
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Meaning 7
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 usurped my rights"; "She seized control of the throne after her husband died".
Classification
Verbs of buying, selling, owning.
Examples
- The monarch assumed the throne after a military coup and immediately began to institute new policies.
- He assumed control of the company after his father's retirement, much to the dismay of other executives.
- She assumed the power of the council and began making decisions without consulting the members.
- The dominant military officer assumed the right to govern the conquered territory as he saw fit.
- The ambitious executive assumed the CEO's role after a surprise takeover.
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Meaning 8
Take on as one's own the expenses or debts of another person; "I'll accept the charges"; "She agreed to bear the responsibility".
Classification
Verbs of buying, selling, owning.
Examples
- I'll assume the mortgage payments until you get back on your feet.
- He agreed to assume responsibility for his brother's medical expenses while he was away.
- The government will assume the costs of the disaster relief efforts.
- She was willing to assume her mother's outstanding debts in exchange for the family's assets.
- The company will assume all the costs associated with the employee's relocation to a new city.
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Meaning 9
Put clothing on one's body; "What should I wear today?"; "He put on his best suit for the wedding"; "The princess donned a long blue dress"; "The queen assumed the stately robes"; "He got into his jeans".
Classification
Verbs of grooming, dressing and bodily care.
Examples
- She quickly assumed the elegant evening gown for the charity gala.
- The billionaire assumed his black tuxedo before being introduced at the award ceremony.
- For her coronation, the princess assumed the royal mantle, a symbol of her new status.
- He took a moment in front of the mirror to assume the carefully tailored outfit for his job interview.
- She carefully assumed the antique wedding veil, which had been passed down through generations.