assume definition

1. take to be the case or to be true; accept without verification or proof
• examples: I assume his train was late
2. take on titles, offices, duties, responsibilities
• examples: When will the new President assume office?
3. take on a certain form, attribute, or aspect
• examples: His voice took on a sad tone
• examples: The story took a new turn
• examples: he adopted an air of superiority
• examples: She assumed strange manners
• examples: The gods assume human or animal form in these fables
4. occupy or take on
• examples: He assumes the lotus position
• examples: She took her seat on the stage
• examples: We took our seats in the orchestra
• examples: She took up her position behind the tree
• examples: strike a pose
5. seize and take control without authority and possibly with force; take as one's right or possession
• examples: He assumed to himself the right to fill all positions in the town
• examples: he usurped my rights
• examples: She seized control of the throne after her husband died
6. take up someone's soul into heaven
• examples: This is the day when May was assumed into heaven