assume
Definitions
To suppose something is true without proof.
假定，认为（未经证实）。
To take on a role, duty, or responsibility.
承担，担任（角色、职责）。
To take on a particular appearance, quality, or manner.
呈现，装出（某种样子或态度）。
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedas- (a form of ad-, 'to oneself') + sume (take) = 'take onto yourself.' Take a duty onto yourself = assume responsibility. Take an idea into your own head without checking = assume it's true. Both senses are the same act — pulling something toward yourself — applied to a job or to a belief.
Root sum still carries 17 more wordsCommon Collocations
- 1.assume responsibility承担责任
- 2.assume control接管，掌控
- 3.assume the role担任角色
- 4.let's assume我们假设
Example Sentences
- 1.
Don't assume she agrees just because she stayed quiet.
- 2.
She assumed full control of the company last year.
- 3.
His face suddenly assumed a serious expression.
Easily Confused
assume vs presume — both mean 'suppose without proof,' but assume is a neutral working hypothesis with no real evidence (I assume you're hungry), while presume implies you have some grounds for the guess (Dr. Livingstone, I presume? — there was good reason to think so). Presume is also more formal and can mean 'overstep' (don't presume), which assume never does.