Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s Dictionary

as|su med na me (assumed names ) N‑COUNT [usu under N ] If you do something under an assumed name , you do it using a name that is not your real name.

as|sum|ing /əsjuː m I ŋ, [AM ] -suː m-/ CONJ You use assuming or assuming that when you are considering a possible situation or event, so that you can think about the consequences. □  'Assuming you're right,' he said, 'there's not much I can do about it, is there?'.

as|sump|tion ◆◇◇ /əsʌ mpʃ ^ə n/ (assumptions )

1 N‑COUNT [oft N that, adj N , on N ] If you make an assumption that something is true or will happen, you accept that it is true or will happen, often without any real proof. □  …the scientific assumption on which the global warming theory is based.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Someone's assumption of power or responsibility is their taking of it. □ [+ of ] The government have retained the support which greeted their assumption of power last March. SYNONYMS assumption NOUN 1

presumption:…the presumption that a defendant is innocent until proved guilty.

guess:Well, we can hazard a guess at the answer.

inference:There were two inferences to be drawn from her letter.

conjecture:That was a conjecture, not a fact.

supposition:There's a popular supposition that we're publicly funded.

as|sur|ance /əʃʊə rəns/ (assurances )

1 N‑VAR [oft N that] If you give someone an assurance that something is true or will happen, you say that it is definitely true or will definitely happen, in order to make them feel less worried. □  He would like an assurance that other forces will not move into the territory. □ [+ of ] …the assurance of being loved and valued as a member of the household.

2 N‑UNCOUNT If you do something with assurance , you do it with a feeling of confidence and certainty. □  Masur led the orchestra with assurance. □  The E.U. is now acquiring greater assurance and authority.

3 N‑UNCOUNT Assurance is insurance that provides cover in the event of death. [BRIT ] □  …endowment assurance.

4 → see also life assurance

as|sure /əʃʊə ^r / (assures , assuring , assured )

1 VERB If you assure someone that something is true or will happen, you tell them that it is definitely true or will definitely happen, often in order to make them less worried. □ [V n that] He hastened to assure me that there was nothing traumatic to report. □ [V n with quote] 'Are you sure the raft is safe?' she asked anxiously. 'Couldn't be safer,' Max assured her confidently. □ [V n + of ] Government officials recently assured Hindus of protection.

2 → see also assured

3 VERB To assure someone of something means to make certain that they will get it. □ [V n + of ] Real Madrid's 2-1 victory has all but assured them of the title. □ [V n n] Ways must be found to assure our children a decent start in life.

4 PHRASE You use phrases such as I can assure you or let me assure you to emphasize the truth of what you are saying. [EMPHASIS ] □  I can assure you that the animals are well cared for.

as|sured ◆◇◇ /əʃʊə ^r d/

1 ADJ Someone who is assured is very confident and relaxed. □  He was infinitely more assured than in his more recent parliamentary appearances. ●  as|sur|ed|ness N‑UNCOUNT □  This a lyrical work written with the authority and assuredness of an experienced writer.