assuming

American  

[uh-soo-ming] / əˈsu mɪŋ /

adjective

1. taking too much for granted; presumptuous.

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assuming British  

/ əˈsjuːmɪŋ /

adjective

1. expecting too much; presumptuous; arrogant

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conjunction

1. (often foll by that) if it is assumed or taken for granted (that)

   even assuming he understands the problem, he will never take any action

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• self-assuming
  adjective
• assumingly
  adverb

Etymology

Origin of assuming

First recorded in 1595–1605; assume + -ing ²

Explanation

If someone accuses you of being assuming, he or she thinks you are arrogant or that you take too much for granted. If you take on an assuming tone when you ask for something, people are more likely to feel offended than to be generous. A person who is quiet and modest is often described approvingly as being unassuming. That person's conceited cousin, with an inflated opinion of himself and a strong sense of entitlement, is more of an assuming sort. You can also use this word as a conjunction. Assuming we leave at 9:00 a.m. and there is little traffic, we should arrive in the late afternoon.

Example Sentences

At the time, Todd Blanche still headed the office, before assuming the role of acting attorney general in April.

From Salon • Jun. 10, 2026

For evolutionary science, they show why we must check our closest relatives before assuming a specific, or unique, cultural explanation.

From Science Daily • Jun. 8, 2026

Korea has emerged as what senior U.S. officials have described as a “model ally”—contributing to America’s industrial revitalization through investment, strengthening shared technological competitiveness, and assuming greater responsibility for our shared defense.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 5, 2026

“Some individuals may be able to keep the mortgage going without formally assuming it,” he adds.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 4, 2026

When butterflies appeared in spring, people called them “summer birds,” assuming they had flown in from elsewhere.

From "The Girl Who Drew Butterflies: How Maria Merian's Art Changed Science" by Joyce Sidman