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

• 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

Instead of assuming a detailed theory from the start, scientists begin with a few broad principles they believe nature must obey and then determine what laws naturally emerge.

From Science Daily • May 19, 2026

"I'll see you again at Hyde Park," she said, before adding: "I said that like I'm assuming I'm going to play Hyde Park again. Maybe I will. It was amazing."

From BBC • May 19, 2026

Still, investors should be cautious in assuming all those promises will fully materialize.

From Barron's • May 18, 2026

Darsana Capital Partners is likely to see over $10 billion in paper gains from SpaceX’s planned initial public offering, assuming it debuts at the value many expect.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 18, 2026

So he was busying himself with other things assuming I would have to come out eventually—and he missed his chance.

From "Z for Zachariah" by Robert C. O’Brien