assume

assume — 動詞

1. to believe that a fact is correct or that an event will happen, even though you

1.動詞及物B2
釋義

假定；以為

在沒有證據下相信某事屬實

to believe that a fact is correct or that an event will happen, even though you do not have evidence to back up your belief.

例句

Viraj assumed that her brother had already eaten dinner before she came home.

Viraj 假定哥哥在她回家前已經吃過晚餐了。

assume + that-clause

The detective wrongly assumed the gardener was lying about the broken window.

那位警探錯誤地以為園丁對於破窗一事說謊。

assume + noun + clause (zero that)

同義詞
  • presume

    more formal; suggests stronger grounds for the belief

  • suppose

    more tentative; everyday register

  • take for granted

    phrasal; stresses an unexamined belief

反義詞
  • doubt

    to question rather than accept the idea

  • verify

    to confirm with evidence rather than guess

文法句型

assume + (that)-clause

assume + noun + to be + adjective

用法筆記

Only sense that takes a that-clause or a to-infinitive complement. Often signals that the speaker is treating the belief as provisional rather than confirmed.

常見錯誤

❌I assume to know the answer.
✅I assume I know the answer.
💡use a that-clause for your own belief, not a bare to-infinitive about yourself.
❌She assumed about him being late.
✅She assumed that he was late.
💡assume does not take a preposition before its complement.

2. to start to carry a duty, role, or position of power, or to begin showing a new

2.動詞及物C2
釋義

承擔；接掌

開始擔任職務或開始呈現新樣貌

to start to carry a duty, role, or position of power, or to begin showing a new outward quality.

例句

Dr. Wen assumed the role of head surgeon last spring after Dr. Park retired.

Wen 醫師在 Park 醫師退休後，於去年春天接掌外科主任一職。

assume + role / office

After the floods, the mayor assumed full responsibility for housing the displaced families.

洪水過後，市長承擔起為流離失所家庭提供住所的全部責任。

assume + responsibility

同義詞
  • take on

    neutral phrasal verb; far more common in speech

  • undertake

    formal; emphasises a task being accepted

  • seize

    stresses taking power suddenly and without permission

反義詞
  • relinquish

    formal; to give up the role or control

  • resign

    to step down from an office one has held

文法句型

assume + responsibility / control / power / office

用法筆記

Subject is usually a person, group, or institution for the role meaning, and an inanimate thing for the quality meaning. Distinguish from sense 1 (a belief in the speaker's mind) and sense 3 (a deliberate disguise).

常見錯誤

❌She assumed for the manager job.
✅She assumed the manager's responsibilities.
💡this sense takes a direct noun object, no preposition.

3. to use a false name, manner, or feeling so that other people will think you are

3.動詞及物C1
釋義

佯裝；冒用

刻意裝出假身分、假表情或假口音

to use a false name, manner, or feeling so that other people will think you are a different person or that your reaction is genuine.

例句

The spy assumed the name Henry Carter and rented a flat above the bakery.

那名間諜冒用 Henry Carter 的名字，在麵包店樓上租了一間公寓。

assume + name (false identity)

Tova assumed a calm voice on the phone, even though her hands were shaking.

Tova 在電話中佯裝鎮定，雖然她的雙手一直在抖。

assume + manner (false outward sign)

同義詞
  • feign

    literary; usually about emotions you do not really feel

  • adopt

    neutral; can describe taking on a name without deception

  • put on

    informal; usually for an accent or a fake mood

反義詞
  • reveal

    to show the true name or feeling instead of hiding it

文法句型

assume + a name / an identity / an accent

用法筆記

Object is typically a name, identity, persona, accent, expression, or air. Distinguish from sense 1: this is a deliberate outward act, not a private mental belief.

常見錯誤

❌He assumed to be a doctor.
✅He assumed the identity of a doctor.
💡this sense needs a noun object (name, identity, persona), not a to-infinitive.