Definition of: assume

(ə·sm′) v.t. as·sumed, as·sum·ing
1. To take up or adopt, as a style of dress, aspect, or character: to assume a haughty mien.
2. To undertake, as an office or duty.
3. To arrogate to oneself; usurp, as powers of state.
4. To take for granted; suppose to be a fact: to assume the sun will shine tomorrow.
5. To affect; pretend to have. [<L assumere take up, adopt <ad- to + sumere take]
—as·sum·a·ble (ə·s′mə·bəl) adjective Synonyms: accept, affect, appropriate, arrogate, claim, feign, postulate, presume, pretend, take, usurp. The distinctive idea of assume is to take by one's own independent volition, whether well or ill, rightfully or wrongfully. One may accept an obligation or assume an authority that properly belongs to him; if he assumes what does not belong to him, he is said to arrogate or usurp it. A man may usurp the substance of power in the most unpretending way; what he arrogates to himself he assumes with a haughty and overbearing manner. If he takes to himself the credit and appearance of qualities he does not possess, he is said to affect or feign, or to pretend to, the character he thus assumes. What a debater postulates he openly states and takes for granted without proof; what he assumes he may take for granted without mention. What a man claims he asserts his right to take; what he assumes he takes. See PRETEND. Antonyms: see synonyms for RENOUNCE.