as‧sume S2 W1 AC / əsjum $ əsum / 动词 [及物动词]

1 to think that something is true, although you do not have definite proof 同义词 presume

assume (that)

I didn’t see your car, so I assumed you’d gone out.

it is/seems reasonable to assume (that)

It seems reasonable to assume that the book was written around 70 AD.

I think we can safely assume (= it is almost certain ) that interest rates will go up again soon.

let us/let’s assume (that) (= used when thinking about a possible event or situation and its possible results )

Let us assume for a moment that we could indeed fire her. Should we?

When it got to midnight and Paul was still not back, I began to assume the worst (= think that the worst possible thing had happened ) .

2 assume control/responsibility etc formal to start to have control, responsibility etc or to start in a particular position or job :

Whoever they appoint will assume responsibility for all financial matters.

He assumed power in a bloody coup in 1990.

Jim Paton will assume the role of managing director.

3 assume a manner/air/expression etc formal to behave in a way that does not show how you really feel, especially in order to seem more confident, happy etc than you are 同义词 put on :

Andy assumed an air of indifference whenever her name was mentioned.

4 to start to have a particular quality or appearance 同义词 take on :

These relationships assume great importance in times of crisis.

The problem is beginning to assume massive proportions .

5 to be based on the idea that something else is correct 同义词 presuppose

assume (that)

The theory assumes that both labour and capital are mobile.

Coen’s economic forecast assumes a 3.5% growth rate.

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