assumption

noun

as·sump·tion | \ ə-ˈsəm(p)-shən

Definition of assumption

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

3a : 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

4a : 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 More Example Sentences Learn More about assumption

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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

The general assumption is that male athletes are straight, so those athletes are unlikely to risk their careers by saying otherwise, said Hudson Taylor, executive director of Athlete Ally, which works to create LGBTQ-inclusive athletic environments. — Marisa Iati, Washington Post, "Do LGBTQ athletes owe the public a revelation about their sexuality? Straight athletes don’t.," 5 Sep. 2019 At punter, the assumption is that Bailey — the first full-time, right-footed punter during Belichick’s New England tenure — will be a difference-maker. — Nora Princiotti, BostonGlobe.com, "Here’s how the Patriots’ special teams shape up," 4 Sep. 2019 The assumption following Saturday's game was that Moody is handling field-goal attempts, and Nordin is handling extra-point attempts. — Orion Sang, Detroit Free Press, "Michigan football's Donovan Jeter, Michael Dwumfour 'ready to go' on defense," 4 Sep. 2019 The assumption at that point was Munchak would sign a new contract to remain the Pittsburgh Steelers’ offensive line coach. — Ryan O’halloran, The Denver Post, "Arrival of Mike Munchak gives Broncos offensive line “creative, true teacher”," 4 Sep. 2019 The assumption running through Power’s career is that the American empire is able to act as a force for good in the world. — Daniel Bessner, The New Republic, "The Fog of Intervention," 4 Sep. 2019 The common assumption is that Spanish explorers helped spread their introduction around the area. — al, "Serve a meal inspired by Alabama’s 200-year history," 20 Aug. 2019 If this assumption is correct, Kaspersky has created a dangerous tracking mechanism that makes tracking cookies look old. — Dan Goodin, Ars Technica, "Kaspersky AV injected unique ID that allowed sites to track users, even in incognito mode," 16 Aug. 2019 The assumption was always that Jay-Z turned down an offer to perform at the Super Bowl to show solidarity with Colin Kaepernick. — Stefan Bondy, courant.com, "The real reason Jay-Z didn’t perform at the Super Bowl," 15 Aug. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'assumption.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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More Definitions for assumption

assumption

noun

English Language Learners Definition of assumption

: something that is believed to be true or probably true but that is not known to be true : something that is assumed

: the act of beginning a role, duty, etc.

: the act of taking or beginning to have power, control, etc., in a job or situation

See the full definition for assumption in the English Language Learners Dictionary

assumption

noun

as·sump·tion | \ ə-ˈsəmp-shən

Kids Definition of assumption

1 : the act of taking on the assumption of power

2 : something accepted as true I'm making plans on the assumption that you will be here.

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assumption

Definition of assumption

Synonyms for assumption

Examples of assumption in a Sentence

First Known Use of assumption

History and Etymology for assumption

English Language Learners Definition of assumption

Kids Definition of assumption

assumption

Definition of assumption

Synonyms for assumption

Examples of assumption in a Sentence

First Known Use of assumption

History and Etymology for assumption

English Language Learners Definition of assumption

Kids Definition of assumption

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