Words / B2

uh-SUMPSHUN/əˈsʌmpʃn/

An assumption is something you take as true without checking. Guess can be casual and one-off; belief may be deeper. Assume is the verb, and on the assumption that is a set pattern — unspoken assumptions are dangerous in essays. In speech, I thought without checking is enough; do not confuse it with presumption (often ruder: a cheeky presumption).

Meaning

Something you believe is true without proof.

Examples

• “His assumption was wrong: the shop was closed.”
• “The plan rested on the assumption that everyone had a laptop.”
• “Check that assumption before you write the conclusion.”

Good to know

on the assumption that. Verb: assume. Everyday: something you take as true. Close: guess (more casual).

Near in meaning

presumption

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