DictionaryassumeSupposing without proof
verb

assume

uh-SOOM/əˈsuːm/

to suppose something is true without proof

He assumes the cookie tin holds cookies, but it contains sewing supplies.

A man confidently prepares to eat cookies from a closed cookie tin, then discovers sewing supplies inside: he has taken the pictured contents for granted without checking.
Etymology

The pieces convey “take to oneself.” This act of taking became intellectual acceptance: taking a proposition for granted as a basis for argument, without first proving it.

In context

TEDx Talks8:52
with your teen, remember they're facing their own life tongue twister and you can choose to believe in them and focus on what they do right. You can choose to assume the best and listen to what they need.
Parenting teens:We're making it harder than it needs to be | Dr. Cameron Caswell | TEDxDeerParkWomen

More examples

  • Don't assume everyone has a car.
  • I assumed the store was open and drove across town.
  • We're assuming the train will arrive on time.

Forms

assume · assumes · assumed · assuming

assumption noun — something accepted as true without proof

Similar words

suppose
Suggests a tentative belief rather than an unquestioned starting point.
presume
Often suggests a belief based on probability or experience.