Assumed: meaning, definitions and examples

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assumed

 

[əˈsjuːm ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

inference

To take for granted or without proof; suppose; presume.

Synonyms

believe, presume, think.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
assumed

Often used when something is taken for granted without proof. It can imply taking something as true without checking if it is actually true.

  • She assumed he would be home by 7 PM.
presume

Often used when someone takes something to be true as a reasonable guess or assumption, but there can be an implication of overconfidence or taking liberties.

  • I presume you're coming to the party tonight.
believe

Used when someone holds something to be true or real, often based on faith or confidence rather than direct evidence.

  • I believe in honesty and hard work.
  • They believe that he is innocent.
think

Commonly used in casual conversation when someone forms an opinion or belief based on reasoning or consideration.

  • I think we should leave early to avoid traffic.
  • He thinks she might be at the library.

Examples of usage

  • She assumed that he was telling the truth.
  • He assumed that she would be late for the meeting.
Context #2 | Verb

responsibility

To take upon oneself; undertake.

Synonyms

shoulder, take on, undertake.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
assumed

Used when someone takes responsibility or a role without it being officially assigned or in situations where someone adopts a belief or identity without clear evidence.

  • She assumed the role of leader during the crisis
  • He assumed the worst about the situation
undertake

Used in more formal or serious contexts where someone commits to a significant task or responsibility, often implying a certain level of dedication or effort.

  • He undertook the task of writing the company's history
  • They undertook a comprehensive review of the policy
take on

Applied when accepting a new task, responsibility, or challenge, indicating a voluntary decision.

  • She decided to take on the new project at work
  • He is ready to take on more responsibilities
shoulder

Utilized in contexts where someone accepts responsibility, often implying a burden or something heavy and troublesome.

  • He shouldered the responsibility of caring for his aging parents
  • They shouldered the blame for the failed project

Examples of usage

  • She assumed the role of team leader.
  • He assumed the responsibility of completing the project.
Context #3 | Verb

appearance

To take on or put on (an appearance, manner, etc.); adopt.

Synonyms

adopt, embrace, take on.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
assumed

Used when someone takes responsibility or a position without being officially assigned it, or when they take it for granted.

  • He assumed the role of leader in the group project
  • Everyone assumed she would finish first in the race due to her practice
adopt

Used when someone accepts and starts to use something new, like an idea, method, or plan.

  • The company decided to adopt a new marketing strategy
  • She adopted a healthier lifestyle after her doctor's advice
take on

Used when someone accepts a task, role, or responsibility, often when it might be challenging.

  • He decided to take on the extra work despite his busy schedule
  • She took on the role of team captain
embrace

Used when someone welcomes or accepts something enthusiastically and willingly. It can also mean to accept new ideas or change.

  • They embraced the new technology with open arms
  • She embraced the opportunity to learn a new language

Examples of usage

  • She assumed a serious expression.
  • He assumed a fake accent to impress his friends.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word originates from the Latin 'assumere,' meaning 'to take up or take to oneself.'
  • The prefix 'as-' in Latin can indicate 'toward' or 'to,' helping to convey the act of taking ownership of an idea.
  • The transition from Latin to Old French in the 12th century further influenced its use in English.

Psychology

  • Cognitive biases often lead people to make assumptions based on past experiences or incomplete information.
  • The 'halo effect' can cause someone to assume positive qualities about a person based on one positive trait.
  • Assumptions can promote stereotypes, leading to unfair judgments about individuals or groups.

Communication

  • Assuming can lead to misunderstandings in conversations, as people often think others share their knowledge or perspectives.
  • It's crucial in effective communication to clarify assumptions to avoid conflicts.
  • In written communication, readers may assume the writer’s intent or tone, which can result in different interpretations.

Social Dynamics

  • People often make assumptions about each other’s abilities based on appearances or social status.
  • Groupthink can happen when members assume everyone agrees, leading to poor decision-making.
  • In relationships, assumptions about partners’ feelings can create unnecessary tensions if not openly discussed.

Literature

  • Numerous literary works explore themes of misunderstanding due to characters making false assumptions.
  • In Shakespearean plays, characters’ assumptions often lead to dramatic irony and unintended consequences.
  • Contemporary novels frequently challenge characters' assumptions to develop plots and explore personal growth.

Translations

Translations of the word "assumed" in other languages:

🇵🇹 presumido

🇮🇳 अनुमानित (anumānit)

🇩🇪 angenommen

🇮🇩 diasumsikan

🇺🇦 передбачуваний

🇵🇱 przypuszczalny

🇯🇵 仮定された (katei sa reta)

🇫🇷 présumé

🇪🇸 presunto

🇹🇷 varsayılan

🇰🇷 가정된 (gajeong doen)

🇸🇦 مفترض (muftaraḍ)

🇨🇿 předpokládaný

🇸🇰 predpokladaný

🇨🇳 假定的 (jiǎdìng de)

🇸🇮 domneven

🇮🇸 áætlaður

🇰🇿 болжамдалған (bolzhamdalğan)

🇬🇪 ვარაუდით (varaudit)

🇦🇿 ehtimal edilən

🇲🇽 presunto

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #1,395, this word is part of core intermediate vocabulary. It appears regularly in various contexts and is essential for natural-sounding English.