assumption

assumption — noun

1. an idea you treat as correct in your reasoning, even though nobody has shown evi

1.名詞C1
釋義

an idea you treat as correct in your reasoning, even though nobody has shown evidence for it.

例句

Priya planned the picnic on the assumption that Saturday would be sunny.

on the assumption that + clause

The detective questioned every assumption the local police had made about the missing keys.

verb + assumption (question / challenge)

同義詞
  • presumption

    more formal; suggests stronger confidence in the belief

  • supposition

    neutral; emphasises that the idea is unconfirmed

  • premise

    used in arguments and logic; the idea you build reasoning on

反義詞
  • fact

    something proven, not just believed

  • proof

    evidence that removes the need for assumption

文法句型

assumption + that-clause

on the assumption that...

用法筆記

Frequently followed by a that-clause or used in the fixed phrases 'on the assumption that' and 'under the assumption that'. Common verbs with this sense include 'make', 'question', 'challenge', and 'rest on'.

常見錯誤

❌I have an assumption to do my homework first.
✅I plan to do my homework first.
💡'assumption' is a belief you accept without proof, not an intention or task.
❌My assumption about him being lazy was true.
✅My assumption that he was lazy turned out to be true.
💡follow 'assumption' with a that-clause, not 'about + -ing'.

2. the moment when someone formally begins to hold a job, role, or duty, especially

2.名詞C2
釋義

the moment when someone formally begins to hold a job, role, or duty, especially one that carries authority.

例句

Dr. Park's assumption of the role of head teacher surprised many staff at Lincoln High.

assumption of + role / position

The new mayor marked his assumption of office with a speech in the city park.

assumption of office (formal collocation)

同義詞
  • takeover

    more common in business; suggests gaining control of a company or group

  • acceptance

    focuses on agreeing to a duty rather than the moment of starting it

反義詞
  • resignation

    leaving a role rather than starting one

  • abdication

    formal giving up of a high office, especially a throne

文法句型

assumption of + noun

用法筆記

Almost always followed by 'of + noun' (office, power, command, control, the throne, responsibility). Sounds formal or ceremonial; in everyday speech use 'taking on' or 'taking over' instead. Distinguish from sense 1: this sense is about an event of starting a role, not about a belief.

常見錯誤

❌After his assumption as president, he gave a speech.
✅After his assumption of the presidency, he gave a speech.
💡use 'of + noun', not 'as'.
❌She made an assumption of the manager job last week.
✅She took on the manager's job last week.
💡in everyday English, 'take on' or 'take over' is more natural than 'make an assumption of'.