Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Adopted in order to deceive; pretended; not genuine: Used to describe something that is taken on or used falsely, often to hide one's true identity or feelings.
   • Accepted as true or as certain to happen, without proof; supposed: Used to describe something that is taken for granted or accepted as a basis for reasoning.

Examples of Usage

• Adjective (Pretended):

  • He checked into the hotel under an assumed name. (He used a fake name to register.)
  • Her assumed cheerfulness hid her deep sadness. (Her pretended happiness concealed her true feelings.)

• Adjective (Supposed):

  • The plan proceeded on the assumed cooperation of all parties. (The plan went ahead based on the supposed agreement of everyone.)
  • In the calculation, we used an assumed growth rate of 3%. (We used a rate that was accepted as true for the purpose of the calculation.)

Advanced Usage

• "an assumed air of...": a deliberately adopted manner or attitude.
  • He walked in with an assumed air of authority. (He entered pretending to have authority.)
• "it is assumed that...": it is generally believed or accepted that (something is true).
  • It is assumed that the meeting will start at 9 AM. (Everyone accepts/believes the meeting starts at 9.)

Variants and Related Words

• Assume (verb): To take on (a role, duty, or appearance); to suppose something to be true without proof.
  • She will assume the role of director. (She will take on the director's job.)
  • I assume you have already eaten. (I suppose you have eaten.)
• Assumption (noun): Something that is accepted as true without proof; the act of taking on a role or responsibility.
  • His argument was based on a false assumption. (His argument relied on an incorrect supposition.)
  • The assumption of power by the new leader was peaceful. (The new leader's taking of power was peaceful.)

Synonyms

• Feigned: Pretended or simulated.
• Fictitious: Not real or true; imaginary or fabricated.
• Put-on: Deliberately pretended; not sincere.
• Presumed: Believed to be true based on probability.
• Supposed: Generally assumed or believed to be the case.

Antonyms

• Genuine: Truly what something is said to be; authentic.
• Real: Actually existing as a thing or occurring in fact.
• Authentic: Of undisputed origin; genuine.
• Actual: Existing in fact; real.

Related Phrases

• Under an assumed name: Using a false name to conceal one's identity.
  • The author published the controversial book under an assumed name.
• Take something as assumed: To accept something as a given or a starting point.
  • For this discussion, let's take it as assumed that the budget will be approved.

Adjective

1. adopted in order to deceive
   • an assumed name
   • an assumed cheerfulness
   • a fictitious address
   • fictive sympathy
   • a pretended interest
   • a put-on childish voice
   • sham modesty