assume
assume — verb
1. to believe that a fact is correct or that an event will happen, even though you
to believe that a fact is correct or that an event will happen, even though you do not have evidence to back up your belief.
Viraj assumed that her brother had already eaten dinner before she came home.
assume + that-clause
The detective wrongly assumed the gardener was lying about the broken window.
assume + noun + clause (zero that)
The hikers assumed the river would be shallow enough to wade across at noon.
I think we can safely assume that the bakery will be closed on the public holiday.
Many parents wrongly assume their teenagers tell them everything.
- presume
more formal; suggests stronger grounds for the belief
- suppose
more tentative; everyday register
- take for granted
phrasal; stresses an unexamined belief
文法句型
assume + (that)-clause
assume + noun + to be + adjective
用法筆記
Only sense that takes a that-clause or a to-infinitive complement. Often signals that the speaker is treating the belief as provisional rather than confirmed.
常見錯誤
2. to start to carry a duty, role, or position of power, or to begin showing a new
to start to carry a duty, role, or position of power, or to begin showing a new outward quality.
Dr. Wen assumed the role of head surgeon last spring after Dr. Park retired.
assume + role / office
After the floods, the mayor assumed full responsibility for housing the displaced families.
assume + responsibility
Once the rebels assumed control of the radio station, they broadcast all night.
The new vice president assumed office on Monday morning at the city hall ceremony.
When Aunt Mei mentioned the unpaid loan, the family dinner assumed a much more serious tone.
- relinquish
formal; to give up the role or control
- resign
to step down from an office one has held
文法句型
assume + responsibility / control / power / office
用法筆記
Subject is usually a person, group, or institution for the role meaning, and an inanimate thing for the quality meaning. Distinguish from sense 1 (a belief in the speaker's mind) and sense 3 (a deliberate disguise).
常見錯誤
3. to use a false name, manner, or feeling so that other people will think you are
to use a false name, manner, or feeling so that other people will think you are a different person or that your reaction is genuine.
The spy assumed the name Henry Carter and rented a flat above the bakery.
assume + name (false identity)
Tova assumed a calm voice on the phone, even though her hands were shaking.
assume + manner (false outward sign)
Online, the writer assumes the persona of a Victorian gardener.
The thief assumed an Australian accent to fool the security guard at the gate.
- reveal
to show the true name or feeling instead of hiding it
文法句型
assume + a name / an identity / an accent
用法筆記
Object is typically a name, identity, persona, accent, expression, or air. Distinguish from sense 1: this is a deliberate outward act, not a private mental belief.