assume
UK: əˈsjuːm | US: əˈsuːm
vt. to take for granted or without proof
vt. to take on (a role, responsibility, or appearance)
vt. to adopt falsely; pretend
assume = as<toward> + sume<take>
- as (variant of ad-, meaning "toward" in Latin)
- sume (from Latin sumere, meaning "to take, seize")
Etymology Origin:
The word assume originates from Latin assumere ("to take up, adopt"), combining ad- (toward) and sumere (to take). It entered Middle English via Old French assumer, retaining the core idea of "taking something to oneself." Over time, it evolved to include abstract senses like "accepting as true without proof" or "adopting a false appearance." The morphemes reflect a logical progression: physical taking → metaphorical adoption → presumption.
Don’t assume everyone agrees with your opinion.
She will assume the role of CEO next month.
He assumed a calm demeanor despite the chaos.
The theory assumes that all particles behave identically.
They assumed the identity of tourists to avoid detection.