assume /əˈsju:m/ vt. 1. 假定，设想；认为：assume that it is true = assume it to be true 假定它是真的 It may be safely assumed that there is no animal life on Mars. 可以有把握地认为火星上没有动物生命。assuming (that) … 假定，假若：［考句］ Assuming that the demand for power continues to rise at the current rate, it will not be long before traditional sources become inadequate.假设对能源的需求以现在的速度继续上涨，不久传统的能源就不够了。2.承担，开始执行(任务)，开始掌权：You will assume your new duties tomorrow. 明天你要履行你的新任务。The prince assumed power when he was only fifteen. 王子开始掌权时才15岁。 3.呈现，显出；装出(…样子)：He assumes a well-informed manner but in fact he knows very little. 他装出懂得很多的样子，实际上懂得极少。He assumed a look of surprise. 他呈现出惊奇的表情。
assumption /əˈsʌmpʃən/ n. 1.［c］假定之事，臆断：on the assumption that… 以…的设想为根据 Our assumption that we would win was wrong. 我们认为自己要赢的臆断是错误的。 2.［u］担任，承担：His assumption of power was not liked by many. 他当权没有多少人拥戴。
