assumev.
/əˈsjuːm/, U.S. /əˈsum/ I. To take unto (oneself), receive, accept, adopt.† 2. To adopt, choose, elect, to some position. (So in Latin.) Often with the idea of elevation; cf. assumption n. 2. Obsolete.† 3. To take into the body (food, nourishment, etc.). So in Latin; cf. assumption n. 4. Obsolete.
1. † c. Of things. rare.
a. transitive. To take to be with one, to receive into association, to adopt into partnership, employment, service, use; to adopt, take.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > possession > taking > take [verb (transitive)] > take into association, service, or use
takea1225
assume1591
assumpt1595
quota1755
1591 H. Savile tr. Tacitus Life Agricola in tr. Tacitus Ende of Nero: Fower Bks. Hist. 239 Into whose trayne being assumed hee was..well liked.
1607 R. Parker Scholasticall Disc. against Antichrist i. i. 44 Paule forbiddeth to assume the weake to the controuersies of disputation.
1641 H. Thorndike Of Govt. Churches 113 [He] assumed S. Augustine to assist him.
1655 J. Playford Introd. Skill Musick ii. 29 The lowest Note of that fift assume for your Key.
1861 R. C. Trench Comm. Epist. 7 Churches Asia 94 Revealed religion assumes them into her service.
1868 Perthshire Jrnl. 18 June Mr. Mark..has been assumed as a Partner in the Edinburgh Branch of the Business.
b. esp. To receive up into heaven. (The earliest use in English; cf. assumption n. 1a, 1b). archaic or Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > the supernatural > deity > heaven > [verb (transitive)] > receive into
receivec1330
assume1436
assumpt1530
enheaven1848
1436 in T. Wright Polit. Poems & Songs (1859) II. 204 He us assume, and brynge us to the blisse.
1530 Myroure Oure Ladye (Fawkes) (1873) iii. 309 Thow arte assumpte aboue all thynges, wyth iesu thy sonne, Maria.
1600 Abp. G. Abbot Expos. Prophet Ionah 189 As when Enoch and Elias were assumed up into heaven.
1728 E. Chambers Cycl. at Assumption The Holy Virgin was assumed, or taken into Heaven, Body and Soul.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > possession > taking > taking possession > take possession of [verb (transitive)] > take upon oneself > of things
assume1508
1508 Bp. J. Fisher Wks. i. 134 Whan stones be assumpte for the reedyfyenge of cytees or toures.
1695 J. Woodward Ess. Nat. Hist. Earth 75 All these [bodies] were assumed up..into the Water, and sustained in it.
ΘΚΠ
society > authority > office > appointment to office > appoint a person to an office [verb (transitive)]
setc1000
stevenOE
assign1297
inseta1300
stable1300
ordaina1325
instituec1384
to put ina1387
limitc1405
point?1405
stablish1439
institutec1475
invest1489
assumec1503
to fill the hands of1535
establish1548
settle1548
appoint1557
place1563
assumptc1571
dispose1578
seat1595
state1604
instate1613
to bring ina1616
officea1616
constitute1616
impose1617
ascribe1624
install1647
to set up1685
prick1788
the mind > attention and judgement > esteem > reputation > majesty, glory, or grandeur > exaltation or glorification > exalt or glorify [verb (transitive)]
heavec825
higheOE
brightenOE
clarifya1340
glorifya1340
enhancec1374
stellifyc1384
biga1400
exalt?a1400
raisea1400
shrinea1400
to bear up?a1425
enhighc1440
erect?a1475
assumec1503
amount1523
dignifya1530
to set up1535
extol1545
enthronize1547
augment1567
sublimate?1567
sublime1568
assumptc1571
begoda1576
royalize1589
suscitate1598
swell1601
consecrate1605
realize1611
reara1616
sphere1615
ingreata1620
superexalta1626
soara1627
ascend1628
rise1628
embroider1629
apotheose1632
grandize1640
engreaten1641
engrandizea1652
mount1651
intronificate1653
magnificent1656
superposit1661
grandify1665
heroify1677
apotheosize1695
enthrone1699
aggrandize1702
pantheonize1801
hoist1814
princify1847
queen1880
heroize1887
c1503 R. Arnold Chron. f. Cix/2 He was assumpte to the state of cardynal.
1621 F. Quarles Hadassa (1717) 96 Her Unkles love assum'd her for his own.
1670 G. Havers tr. G. Leti Il Cardinalismo di Santa Chiesa ii. iii. 177 He was assum'd to the Papacy.
ΘΚΠ
the world > food and drink > food > consumption of food or drink > [verb (transitive)] > ingest
receivec1400
to take in1568
assume1620
ingest1620
1620 T. Venner Via Recta viii. 184 Afterwards vpon meats taken againe, let there be assumed a draught of..Beere.
1657 Physical Dict. Assumed, taken inwardly.
II. To take upon oneself, put on, undertake.
4.
a. transitive. To take upon oneself, put on (a garb, aspect, form, or character).
ΘΚΠ
the mind > possession > taking > taking possession > take possession of [verb (transitive)] > take upon oneself
teec897
assume1447
to take on (also upon) one(self)c1515
assumpt1572
undertake1596
satchel1839
the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > conformity with what is known, truth > deceit, deception, trickery > dissimulation, pretence > semblance, outward show > present speciously [verb (transitive)] > assume appearance
assume1447
endue?a1475
cloak1535
affect1593
finical1682
1447 O. Bokenham Lyvys Seyntys 46 That be hem oure nature assumpt shul be To ye secunde persone of ye trinite.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Henry V (1623) Prol. 6 Then should the Warlike Harry..Assume the Port of Mars. View more context for this quotation
1659 J. Pearson Expos. Creed (1839) 229 Thus the whole perfect and complete nature of man was assumed by the word.
1697 J. Dryden tr. Virgil Georgics iv, in tr. Virgil Wks. 140 The slipp'ry God will..various Forms assume . View more context for this quotation
1780 W. Cowper Progress of Error 582 Habits are soon assumed.
1791 W. Hamilton tr. C.-L. Berthollet Elements Art of Dyeing I. i. i. i. 4 Mercury with a larger quantity of oxygen assumes a red colour.
1860 J. L. Motley Hist. Netherlands (1868) I. i. 5 The Netherland revolt had therefore assumed world-wide proportions.
b. To invest oneself with (an attribute).
ΘΚΠ
the mind > possession > taking > taking possession > take possession of [verb (transitive)] > take upon oneself > an attribute or quality
to take on?1591
assume1667
1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost iii. 318 Reign for ever, and assume Thy Merits. View more context for this quotation
1797 W. Godwin Enquirer i. vi. 38 Intellect assumed new courage.
1841–8 F. Myers Catholic Thoughts II. iv. §11. 245 These Doctrines assume at once a reasonableness and an importance.
5. † b. with upon and reflexive pron. (Cf. ‘To take upon oneself’). Obsolete.
a. To take to oneself formally (the insignia of office or symbol of a vocation); to undertake (an office or duty).
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > undertaking > undertake [verb (transitive)] > a duty, office, or role
enterc1425
to take on (also upon) one(self)1432
fall1589
assume1591
society > authority > office > accession or entering upon office or authority > take office [verb (transitive)]
assume1591
to come into ——1604
the mind > possession > taking > taking possession > take possession of [verb (transitive)] > take upon oneself > an office or symbol of
enter1563
assume1591
1591 H. Savile tr. Tacitus Ende of Nero: Fower Bks. Hist. iv. 214 Assuming the markes and ornamentes of the Roman gouernors.
1628 E. Coke 1st Pt. Inst. Lawes Eng. 7 b Which title of Dominus Hiberniæ, he assumed.
1640 in J. Rushworth Hist. Coll.: Third Pt. (1692) I. 44 Mr. Speaker assumed the Chair.
1786 E. Burke Speech 4 Apr. in Jrnls. House of Commons (1803) XLI. 535/2 Justified in immediately assuming the Government.
1863 M. Oliphant Salem Chapel I. i. 6 The community which he had assumed the spiritual charge of.
1869 E. A. Freeman Hist. Norman Conquest (1876) III. xii. 180 He assumed the monastic habit.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > undertaking > undertake [verb (transitive)]
underfoc893
fandOE
onfangOE
undernimc1000
takec1175
to take tillc1175
to take toa1250
underfongc1330
undertakea1340
to take in (also on) handa1350
undertakec1385
attamec1386
to take in (also on) handc1390
embrace1393
emprisec1410
to put to one's hand (also hands)c1410
to go upon ——c1450
enterprise?1473
to set (one's) hand to1477
go?a1500
accept1524
assume1530
to hent in (also upon) handc1540
to swallow up1544
to take to task1546
to go into ——?1548
to set in hand1548
to fare about1563
entertain1569
undergo1606
to set about ——1611
to take up1660
to come at ——1901
1530 J. Palsgrave Lesclarcissement 439/1 To assume upon the this great charge.
a1608 F. Thynne Applic. Certain Hist. conc. Ambassadours (1651) Ep. Ded. sig. A4 I could not..assume such enterprize upon me.
1675 T. Brooks Golden Key 323 The curse..he assumed upon himself of his own accord.
6. (with infinitive) in Law. To undertake, give an undertaking.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > language > speech > agreement > promise > promise or vow [verb (transitive)] > pledge or undertake to give or do
sweara1154
fast?a1160
plightc1275
givec1300
undertake1393
strokea1400
warranta1400
foldc1400
pledge?a1439
affiance1523
pass1528
betroth1573
assume1602
impawna1628
gagea1642
spond1698
guarantee1820
vouch1898
1602 W. Fulbecke Parallele or Conf. Law ii. 21 That A…did assume to carrie his horse..ouer the water of Humber sound and safe.
1641 Termes de la Ley 30 b Assumpsit is a voluntary promise made by word by which a man assumeth and taketh upon him to performe or pay any thing to another.
1795 Wyllie Amer. Law Rep. 74 The appellee pleaded that he did not assume.
III. To take as being one's own, to arrogate, pretend to, claim, take for granted.
7. transitive. To take to oneself as a right or possession; to lay claim to, appropriate, arrogate, usurp.
ΘΚΠ
society > morality > dueness or propriety > moral impropriety > be morally improper for [verb (transitive)] > claim unduly
presume of1415
arrogate1537
assume1548
usurp1549
misclaim1746
1548 Hall's Vnion: Henry VII f. ivv This Lambert might assume & take vpon hym the person & name of one of kyng Edward the fourthes chyldren.
1628 O. Felltham Resolves: 2nd Cent. vi. sig. H6v [We]..thinke there is no way to get Honour, but by a bold assuming it.
a1715 Bp. G. Burnet Hist. Own Time (1724) I. 246 Murray assumed to himself the praise of all that was done.
1833 I. Taylor Fanaticism x. 461 That disposition..to assume..intolerant jurisdiction over other men's conduct.
1849 T. B. Macaulay Hist. Eng. II. 126 The king assumed to himself the right of filling up the chief municipal offices.
8. To take to oneself in appearance only, to pretend to possess; to pretend, simulate, feign.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > conformity with what is known, truth > deceit, deception, trickery > dissimulation, pretence > pretend, simulate, feign [verb (transitive)]
mitheeOE
bipechec1000
huec1000
feigna1300
unlikena1382
counterfeitc1400
pretend1402
dissimulec1430
dissimule1483
simule?a1500
semble1530
counterfeit1534
dissemblea1538
suppose1566
countenance1590
mock1595
assume1604
to put on1625
assimulate1630
personate1631
to take on1645
simulate1652
forge1752
sham1775
possum1850
to turn on1865
fake1889
1604 W. Shakespeare Hamlet iii. iv. 151 Assune [sic; 1623 Assume] a Vertue if you haue it not.
1790 E. Burke Refl. Revol. in France 14 Ignorant both of the character they leave, and of the character they assume . View more context for this quotation
1853 E. Bulwer-Lytton My Novel II. vi. xxiv. 190 The scepticism, assumed or real, of the ill-fated aspirer.
9. (with infinitive) To put forth claims or pretensions; to claim, pretend.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > conformity with what is known, truth > deceit, deception, trickery > dissimulation, pretence > pretend, simulate, feign [verb (transitive)] > lay claim to, personate
counterfeitc1290
colour1419
personate1604
affecta1616
belie1616
sham1699
assume1714
personify1779
1714 Spectator No. 630. ⁋16 As Gentlemen (for we Citizens assume to be such one day in a Week).
1781 E. Gibbon Decline & Fall lviii Witnesses who had or assumed to have knowledge of the fact.
1833 C. Lamb Pop. Fallacies vi, in Last Ess. Elia 235 Sage saws assuming to inculcate content.
10. transitive. To take for granted as the basis of argument or action; to suppose:
a. that a thing is, a thing to be.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > belief > supposition, surmise > taking for granted, presumption > assume, presuppose [verb (transitive)]
supposec1350
presumec1390
take1429
presupposec1443
takec1449
presupponec1475
supponea1513
subsume1562
foreprise1577
to take for granted1615
to give for granted1637
assume1660
foretake1674
premisea1706
predicate1718
dare say1749
pre-assume1789
1660 tr. I. Barrow Euclide's Elements i. 37 We assumed in the demonstration of the last proposition, CD = BC.
1841–8 F. Myers Catholic Thoughts II. iii. §25. 91 To assume that we have the most accurate possible translation.
1868 W. Peard Pract. Water-farming x. 103 The entire length of our farm is assumed to be about thirty-two miles.
b. a thing.
ΚΠ
1646 Sir T. Browne Pseudodoxia Epidemica 273 His labours are rationall, and uncontroulable upon the grounds assumed . View more context for this quotation
1790 W. Paley Horæ Paulinæ i. 1 Assuming the truth of the history.
1869 E. A. Freeman Hist. Norman Conquest (1876) III. xiii. 294 William assumes the willingness of the Assembly.
11. Logic. To add the minor premiss to a syllogism. Cf. assumption n. 12.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > philosophy > logic > logical syllogism > deduce by syllogism [verb (transitive)] > add the minor premise
assume1628
1628 T. Spencer Art of Logick 294 The antecedent is assumed, when the words of it are barely repeated in the second proposition, or assumption.
1655 T. Fuller Church-hist. Brit. ix. 175 Thus the Major may propound what it pleaseth, and the Minor assume what it listeth.
a1856 W. Hamilton Lect. Metaphysics (1860) III. xv. 285 The distinctive peculiarity of the minor premise,—that of being a subordinate proposition,—a proposition taken or assumed under another.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1885; most recently modified version published online December 2021).
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