assumption

noun

as·​sump·​tion ə-ˈsəm(p)-shən How to pronounce assumption (audio)
Synonyms of assumptionnext
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

See all Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus 

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 That can lead to the young workers filling in the blanks with self-doubt or negative assumptions that managers never intended. —Danielle Abril, Washington Post, 10 Apr. 2024 In making the forward-looking statements in this news release, the Company has applied several material assumptions, including without limitation, the Company's the ability of the Company to fulfill the terms of and derive the benefits from the contract extension. —Kansas City Star, 9 Apr. 2024 But while assumptions about the meaning behind the other parent’s text are just that, assumptions, this whole scenario opens up a conversation that must be had. —Zara Hanawalt, Parents, 6 Apr. 2024 Those assumptions were flawed even before October 7. —Dalia Dassa Kaye, Foreign Affairs, 4 Apr. 2024 Radia quickly changes those assumptions and, in doing so, can shift the economics of onshore wind projects. —Justin Worland, TIME, 4 Apr. 2024 The universe is a lot more complicated than a coin, and the statistical significances depend on subtle assumptions in the data analysis. —Charlie Wood, Quanta Magazine, 4 Apr. 2024 Netanyahu was the originator of this assumption, and its biggest proponent. —Anshel Pfeffer, The Atlantic, 27 Mar. 2024 This environment supports better decision-making because testing assumptions and questioning conclusions become part of the normal process. —Kathy Miller Perkins, Forbes, 29 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'assumption.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of assumption was in the 13th century

Phrases Containing assumption

Dictionary Entries Near assumption

assumpt

assumption

assumptionist

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Assumption.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/assumption. Accessed 18 Apr. 2024.

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Kids Definition

assumption

noun
as·​sump·​tion ə-ˈsəm(p)-shən How to pronounce assumption (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on assumption

Nglish: Translation of assumption for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of assumption for Arabic Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about assumption

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