Assumption

Pronunciation

• IPA: /əˈsÊŒmp.ʃən/

Origin

From Middle English assumpcioun, from Medieval Latin assumptio ("a taking up (into heaven)") and Latin assumption ("a taking up, adoption, the minor proposition of a syllogism"); see assume.

Full definition of assumption

Noun

1. The act of assuming, or taking to or upon one's self; the act of taking up or adopting.His assumption of secretarial duties was timely.
2. The act of taking for granted, or supposing a thing without proof; a supposition; an unwarrantable claim.Their assumption of his guilt disqualified them from jury duty.
3. The thing supposed; a postulate, or proposition assumed; a supposition.
• 1976, , The Journal of Aesthetic Education, Volume 10, No doubt a finite evaluative argument must make some unargued evaluative assumptions, just as finite factual arguments must make some unargued factual assumptions.
4. (logic) The minor or second proposition in a categorical syllogism.
5. The taking of a person up into heaven.
6. A festival in honor of the ascent of the Virgin Mary into heaven.
7. (rhetoric) Assumptio.

Synonyms

Related terms

• assume
• assumptive