assume
/əˈsum/ verb B1- To authenticate by means of belief; to surmise; to suppose to be true, especially without proof. · We assume that, as her parents were dentists, she knows quite a bit about dentistry.
- To take on a position, duty or form. · Mr. Jones will assume the position of a lifeguard until a proper replacement is found.
- To adopt a feigned quality or manner; to claim without right; to arrogate. · He assumed an air of indifference.
- To receive, adopt (a person).
- To adopt (an idea or cause).
Plural assume · He/she/it assumes · Past assumed · Past participle assumed · -ing form assuming
Verb forms
- Base form
- assume
- He/she/it
- assumes
- Past
- assumed
- Past participle
- assumed
- -ing form
- assuming
From the library
To all this information, much of which we already knew, Holmes listened with polite attention, but I, who knew him so well, could clearly see that his thoughts were elsewhere, and I detected a mixture of mingled uneasiness and expectation beneath that mask which he was wont to assume.
At least, therefore, I did not assume the character of needless precipitance merely to show off before the ladies.”
With assumed tranquillity he then replied, “I have no wish of denying that I did everything in my power to separate my friend from your sister, or that I rejoice in my success.
On the stage of that comedy he had assumed to play the one-night part of a butterfly of fashion and an idler of means and taste.
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