Definition of assume

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< assuasive

assumed >

as·sume    (-sm) KEY 

TRANSITIVE VERB:
as·sumed, as·sum·ing, as·sumes

1. To take upon oneself: assume responsibility; assume another's debts.
2. To undertake the duties of (an office): assumed the presidency.
3. To take on; adopt: "The god assumes a human form" (John Ruskin).
4. To put on; don: The queen assumed a velvet robe.
5. To affect the appearance or possession of; feign.
6. To take for granted; suppose: assumed that prices would rise. See Synonyms at presume.
7. To take over without justification; seize: assume control.
8. To take up or receive into heaven.

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ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English assumen, from Latin assmere : ad-, ad- + smere, to take; see em- in Indo-European roots

OTHER FORMS:
as·suma·bili·ty(Noun), as·suma·ble(Adjective), as·suma·bly(Adverb), as·sumer(Noun)