assumption
noun
as·sump·tion
ə-ˈsəm(p)-shən 
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
Science took longer to wade into the field, held back by the assumption that aging was inevitable.
—
Alice Park, TIME, 11 Mar. 2025
This idea shines in Curiosity Collects More Customers, where Ridge explains that leaders must constantly challenge their own assumptions and seek fresh perspectives—whether from employees, customers, or even competitors.
—Nell Derick Debevoise, Forbes, 11 Mar. 2025
However, many professionals in the field are beginning to acknowledge that these requirements stem from outdated assumptions.
—Jesse Rhoades, The Conversation, 11 Mar. 2025
European countries are ditching their decades-old assumptions and becoming proactive players in their own right.
—Faisal Kutty, Newsweek, 11 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for assumption
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Alice Park, TIME, 11 Mar. 2025
This idea shines in Curiosity Collects More Customers, where Ridge explains that leaders must constantly challenge their own assumptions and seek fresh perspectives—whether from employees, customers, or even competitors.
—Nell Derick Debevoise, Forbes, 11 Mar. 2025
However, many professionals in the field are beginning to acknowledge that these requirements stem from outdated assumptions.
—Jesse Rhoades, The Conversation, 11 Mar. 2025
European countries are ditching their decades-old assumptions and becoming proactive players in their own right.
—Faisal Kutty, Newsweek, 11 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for assumption
Cite this Entry
“Assumption.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/assumption. Accessed 20 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
assumption
noun
as·sump·tion
ə-ˈsəm(p)-shən
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
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