As·sume v. t. [imp. & p. p. Assumed p. pr. & vb. n. Assuming.]
1. To take to or upon one's self; to take formally and demonstratively; sometimes, to appropriate or take unjustly.
Trembling they stand while Jove assumes the throne. --Pope.
The god assumed his native form again. --Pope.
2. To take for granted, or without proof; to suppose as a fact; to suppose or take arbitrarily or tentatively.
The consequences of assumed principles. --Whewell.
3. To pretend to possess; to take in appearance.
Ambition assuming the mask of religion. --Porteus.
Assume a virtue, if you have it not. --Shak.
4. To receive or adopt.
The sixth was a young knight of lesser renown and lower rank, assumed into that honorable company. --Sir W. Scott.
Syn: -- To arrogate; usurp; appropriate.
As·sum·ing, a. Pretentious; taking much upon one's self; presumptuous.
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assuming
adj : excessively forward; "an assumptive person"; "on a subject
like this it would be too assuming for me to decide";
"the duchess would not put up with presumptuous
servants" [syn: assumptive, presumptuous]