assumption

noun

as·​sump·​tion ə-ˈsəm(p)-shən 

1

: a taking to or upon oneself

the assumption of a new position

2

: the act of laying claim to or taking possession of something

the assumption of power

3

a

: an assuming that something is true

a mistaken assumption

b

: a fact or statement (such as a proposition, axiom (see axiom sense 2), postulate, or notion) taken for granted

4

a

: the taking up of a person into heaven

b

capitalized : August 15 observed in commemoration of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary

5

: the taking over of another's debts

6

: arrogance, pretension

Synonyms

• given
• hypothetical
• if
• postulate
• premise
• premiss
• presumption
• presupposition
• supposition

Examples of assumption in a Sentence

I made the assumption that he was coming, so I was surprised when he didn't show up.

He will come home tomorrow. At least, that's my assumption.

Many scientific assumptions about Mars were wrong.

I'm telling you our arrival time on the assumption that you will check to see whether or not our flight is on time before you come to the airport.

Her plan is based on the underlying assumption that the economy will improve in the near future.

her assumption of the presidency

the buyer's assumption of debt

Recent Examples on the Web

People will chew on the Broadway first of an Othello directed and lead-produced by black men—Leon and Brian Anthony Moreland, respectively—and cut their assumptions about that to fit their pre-existing views. —Maya Singer, Vogue, 27 Feb. 2025

The idea of receiving free money taps into our natural aversion to missing out and the default assumption that any message appearing to be from the government is legitimate. —Shahar Ziv, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2025

Till under the assumption that the Ghost star wore a fat suit during production. —Joey Nolfi, EW.com, 25 Feb. 2025

In Monday’s meeting, it was mentioned that the costs and savings associated with these measures have been calculated under the assumption that United qualify for the Europa League for the next four years. —Adam Crafton, The Athletic, 24 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Late Latin assumption-, assumptio taking up, from Latin assumere — see assume

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 4a

Phrases Containing assumption

• on/under/with the assumption
• self-assumption

Rhymes for assumption

• consumption
• presumption
• resumption
• subsumption
• gumption
• sumption

Kids Definition

assumption

noun

as·​sump·​tion ə-ˈsəm(p)-shən 

1

capitalized : August 15 observed as a church festival to mark the taking up of the Virgin Mary into heaven

2

a

: the act of taking upon oneself or taking possession of something

3

a

: the belief that something is true

b

: a fact or statement taken for granted