assumption

noun

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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Humans will glance at another human and make a broad assumption about the emotional state of that person by merely observing their face. Lance Eliot, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025 But the officials and victims assembled in the Situation Room considered whether this assumption was really valid. Shane Harris, The Atlantic, 10 Jan. 2025 This archetype is essential in a world where assumptions often go unchallenged, stifling creativity and growth. Chris Schembra, Rolling Stone, 10 Jan. 2025 Biden's is one of muddling through crises, reacting to unforeseen events, and being trapped by its own biases and assumptions. Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 9 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for assumption 

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

Dictionary Entries Near assumption

Cite this Entry

“Assumption.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/assumption. Accessed 19 Jan. 2025.

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

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