v.

1. take to be the case or to be true; accept without verification or proof;
   presume, take for granted
   
   • I assume his train was late
2. take on titles, offices, duties, responsibilities;
   adopt, take on, take over
   
   • When will the new President assume office?
3. take on a certain form, attribute, or aspect;
   acquire, adopt, take on, take
   
   • His voice took on a sad tone
   • The story took a new turn
   • he adopted an air of superiority
   • She assumed strange manners
   • The gods assume human or animal form in these fables
4. take on as one's own the expenses or debts of another person;
   bear, take over, accept
   
   • I'll accept the charges
   • She agreed to bear the responsibility
5. occupy or take on;
   take, strike, take up
   
   • He assumes the lotus position
   • She took her seat on the stage
   • We took our seats in the orchestra
   • She took up her position behind the tree
   • strike a pose
6. seize and take control without authority and possibly with force; take as one's right or possession;
   usurp, seize, take over, arrogate
   
   • He assumed to himself the right to fill all positions in the town
   • he usurped my rights
   • She seized control of the throne after her husband died
7. make a pretence of;
   simulate, sham, feign
   
   • She assumed indifference, even though she was seething with anger
   • he feigned sleep
8. take up someone's soul into heaven
   
   • This is the day when May was assumed into heaven
9. put clothing on one's body;
   wear, put on, get into, don
   
   • What should I wear today?
   • He put on his best suit for the wedding
   • The princess donned a long blue dress
   • The queen assumed the stately robes
   • He got into his jeans