Assumption Meaning
Assumption Definition & Usage
A belief or idea that is accepted without proof, often as the starting point for further reasoning or discussion.
Examples
- "Her assumption that everyone would agree with her was proven wrong when the meeting began."
- "The professor's assumption about the student's readiness was incorrect, leading to an awkward situation."
- "He made the assumption that the task would be easy, but it turned out to be much more complicated."
- "Many political decisions are based on the assumption that the economy will continue to grow."
- "My assumption that the package would arrive on time was disappointed by the delay."
The act of assuming or taking on a role, responsibility, or title.
Examples
- "The assumption of power by the new leader was met with both optimism and skepticism."
- "In legal terms, the assumption of liability meant that the company was responsible for the damages."
- "Her assumption of the CEO position marked the beginning of a new era for the company."
- "The assumption of leadership was a smooth transition, as he was well-prepared for the role."
- "The assumption of the debt by the bank was part of the rescue package."
A premise or starting point in an argument or theory that is taken as true for the sake of discussion or argument.
Examples
- "The assumption that all humans are inherently rational was challenged by the new research."
- "In philosophy, the assumption of free will is often debated among scholars."
- "The theory was based on the assumption that the universe operates according to fixed laws."
- "His argument relied on the assumption that the economy would continue to grow steadily."
- "Scientists must make certain assumptions in order to form hypotheses and design experiments."
Cultural Context
The word 'assumption' comes from Latin 'assumere', meaning 'to take up'. It was initially used in a religious context to describe the taking up of a person into heaven (the Assumption of Mary). Over time, the meaning expanded to encompass the act of taking something as true without verification, particularly in logic and everyday reasoning.
The Crossroads of Assumptions
Story
The Crossroads of Assumptions
At the edge of a bustling city, four friends stood at a crossroads. Each of them was headed in a different direction, but they had all come to the same point based on a series of assumptions they had made earlier in their lives. Alex, the optimistic one, had always made the assumption that everything would work out as long as she worked hard. This assumption had brought her to a fast-paced corporate career, but now, standing in front of the decision to leave for a different city, she wondered if hard work alone was enough. Ben, the skeptic, had always questioned assumptions. He believed that people often overlooked critical details. His assumption that life was unpredictable and that nothing could be taken for granted had made him a cautious person, but as he approached a crossroads in his relationship, he realized that his doubts had sometimes kept him from taking risks. Clara, the pragmatist, assumed that following tradition would always provide stability. Her upbringing had taught her that security came from doing things the way they had always been done. But now, as she considered a career shift, she found herself questioning if tradition was the only path forward. Lastly, Derek, the idealist, assumed that everything could be changed for the better with enough passion and persistence. His assumptions had led him to start his own charity, but as he faced a financial crisis, he wondered if idealism alone was enough to overcome the harsh realities of the world. Each person reflected on their assumptions and how those assumptions had shaped their lives. As they stood together at the crossroads, they realized that the decisions they would make next would require them to challenge some of those assumptions and take on new ones. They didn't know what the future held, but they knew that assumptions, while helpful in guiding decisions, could also limit their understanding of the world. In the end, they parted ways, each carrying with them the weight of their assumptions, but also the understanding that sometimes, the most important thing is to question them.
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