assumptions
assumptions — noun
- assumptionssingular
- assumptionsesplural
1. a belief that is treated as correct without requiring proof; accepted as a start
a belief that is treated as correct without requiring proof; accepted as a starting point for decisions or reasoning even though it has not been firmly established.
Esteban made the assumption that everyone had already eaten, so he did not order extra food.
make + assumption + that-clause
Many of our daily decisions are based on untested assumptions about how people will behave.
passive: are based on + assumption
Sirin's argument rested on the assumption that all children learn at the same speed.
The risk assessment was built on a false assumption about the strength of the bridge.
Never make assumptions about a person's background based only on their accent.
- presumption
similar meaning but often implies an assumption made with some degree of confidence, sometimes before evidence is considered
- supposition
a more formal word for something assumed to be true, often as a basis for reasoning
- belief
broader term; a belief may be supported by evidence or faith, whereas an assumption is taken for granted without proof
- guess
much less formal and suggests little supporting evidence at all
文法句型
make + assumption + (that-clause)
assumption + about + noun
用法筆記
Frequently paired with 'make', 'base on', 'rest on', or 'challenge'. The that-clause structure (make the assumption that...) is very common in academic and professional writing.
常見錯誤
2. the act of beginning to have power, control, or responsibility for something; th
the act of beginning to have power, control, or responsibility for something; the taking on of a duty, role, or position.
The assumption of the presidency brought with it a heavy set of security responsibilities.
assumption of [role/position]
Ziad's assumption of the team leadership was welcomed by everyone in the department.
Upon her assumption of the managerial role, Noa immediately reviewed the company's budget plan.
The contract specifies the date of the assumption of liability by the insurance company.
- taking on
less formal; used in everyday contexts for accepting duties
- acceptance
emphasises agreement to take on a role or responsibility
- undertaking
formal, emphasising the start of a significant task or duty
- resignation
giving up a position or role
- abdication
formal refusal to take on or continue in a role
文法句型
assumption + of + noun
用法筆記
Used almost exclusively in formal, legal, or official contexts. The noun 'assumption' is followed by 'of' and a role or obligation (assumption of office, assumption of duty, assumption of debt). Distinguish from Sense 1: this sense describes the act of taking something on, not believing something without proof.
常見錯誤
3. behaviour that is too confident or proud, showing that you believe you have a ri
behaviour that is too confident or proud, showing that you believe you have a right to something you do not actually deserve; presumptuousness.
The new intern spoke with such assumption that the senior staff were offended.
with assumption — adverb-like phrase showing manner
Ramón criticised his colleague's assumption in acting as though she already ran the department.
Pedro pushed himself to the front of the line with an air of assumption.
The manager disliked the assumption with which the consultant claimed credit for the team's work.
- presumptuousness
more direct synonym; behaviour that oversteps proper boundaries
- arrogance
broader term for an offensive sense of superiority
- audacity
boldness that shows a lack of respect, often with a stronger nuance of daring
文法句型
with assumption — used as an adverb-like noun phrase
用法筆記
This sense carries a negative, critical tone. It appears in formal writing or disapproving descriptions. Unlike Sense 1 and 2, it is uncountable and is not used with the 'make an assumption' pattern. Distinguish from Sense 1 by context: here the focus is on offensively confident behaviour, not on a belief.