assuming

American  

[uh-soo-ming] / əˈsu mɪŋ /

adjective

1. taking too much for granted; presumptuous.

---

assuming British  

/ əˈsjuːmɪŋ /

adjective

1. expecting too much; presumptuous; arrogant

---

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

• assumingly adverb
• self-assuming adjective

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

If a taxpayer received a refund last year, Greene-Lewis said there’s a good chance that person will receive one this year, too, assuming few changes in life situation.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 14, 2026

And he is assuming control of a ministry that, by many accounts, is deeply troubled.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 14, 2026

While this will be his first pastoral visit to Africa since assuming the leadership of the Catholic Church last year, the Pope is no stranger to the continent.

From BBC • Apr. 12, 2026

But the oil price shock, assuming the cease-fire lasts, would amount to a loss of $350 per household.

From Barron's • Apr. 8, 2026

“Why are we assuming that there was anything done wrong here? Wasn’t this just an accident?”

From "Anger Is a Gift" by Mark Oshiro