Assumed Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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assumed

[ษ™หˆsjuหm ]

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.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

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 writerโ€™s intent or tone, which can result in different interpretations.

Social Dynamics

  • People often make assumptions about each otherโ€™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 partnersโ€™ 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, charactersโ€™ assumptions often lead to dramatic irony and unintended consequences.
  • Contemporary novels frequently challenge characters' assumptions to develop plots and explore personal growth.

Origin of 'assumed'

Main points about word origin

  • 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.

The word 'assumed' originated from the Latin word 'assumere', which means 'to take upon oneself'. Over time, the word evolved in English to encompass the meanings of 'suppose' and 'adopt'. The modern usage of 'assumed' reflects the idea of taking something for granted or undertaking responsibility without explicit proof. The word has been commonly used in literature, philosophy, and everyday conversation to convey the act of presuming or taking on a role.


See also: assume, assumption, unassuming, unassumingly.

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.